46 percent of LSU Health New Orleans graduating medical students participating in the National Resident Match Program this year chose to remain in Louisiana. That is down from 49 percent staying in state last year and 64-percent in 2012. Dr. Steve Nelson says it’s a trend that could cost Louisiana some great doctors.
Nelson says that if these students leave, "there's a large likelihood" that they won't return to Louisiana.
National studies find a high number of physicians set up their permanent practices in areas where they complete their residency program. Nelson says a decline of 18 percent in the last five years is a concern and it’s up to the legislature to provide a stable source of funding for higher ed.
Nelson says that the proposed cuts to higher education and hospitals is a "negative trend that we need to correct."
Nelson says the future medical achievements and the new physicians that will fill our hospitals and medical practices come from Louisiana, not elsewhere.
Nelson says, "At LSU, we're training your doctor for your family... right now. So this is a very personal issue to everyone."