The Louisiana Collaborative in Nutrition is a cross-institutional initiative designed to expand academic and professional opportunities in nutrition, public health, and clinical care. This program is hosted by the Ochsner Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER) and reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare access, workforce development, and community well-being.
In partnership with Dillard University, Southern University, Tulane University, and Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), the Collaborative offers immersive training and career exploration opportunities for undergraduate students interested in nutrition, health sciences, and clinical or community practice.
This program aligns with OXIHER’s mission to strengthen the healthcare workforce through:
- Healthcare expansion and improved access
- Career development and job readiness for future healthcare professionals
- Healthcare administration training in real-world clinical settings
- Clinical research exploration that prepares students for advanced academic and scientific roles
- Provide students with STEM interest and opportunity to explore healthcare careers
- Community health improvement through education, prevention, and care delivery innovation
The Louisiana Collaborative in Nutrition is a key initiative supporting these goals.
Cohort 1 – Launched Summer 2025
In its inaugural year, six students were selected from Dillard University and XULA. Participants were placed in specialized departments within Ochsner Health.
Confirmed Placement Sites
- Ochsner Center for Primary Care and Wellness
- Ochsner Diabetes Care and Education – Kidney Care Clinics
Additional Opportunities May Include:
- Eat Fit
- Digital Weight Management
- Nephrology
- Bariatrics
- Neonatology
- Gerontology
- Oncology
- Sports Medicine
- Credit Hours: 270
- Format: In-person; hybrid participation may be considered
- Compensation: Paid internship
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be currently enrolled as undergraduates at Tulane University, Dillard University, Southern University, or XULA and express a strong academic or career interest in:
- Nutrition
- Public Health
- Community Health
- Healthcare Administration
- Other closely related health or science field
Applicants should also be available for local travel related to training sites and outreach assignments.
Internship responsibilities may include:
- Designing and distributing patient surveys on nutrition knowledge, food access, and nutrient intake
- Supporting insulin pump programming and data entry for devices like the Omnipod 5
- Rounding with registered dietitians, nurses, and diabetes educators
- Participating in nutrition education sessions for groups such as the Diabetes NOLA Support Group
- Performing nutritional analysis of recipes used in patient and public health settings
- Creating accessible, engaging nutrition resources for patient use
- Assisting with health education at community events, schools, churches, and other nonprofit organizations
