FORWARD
2026–2030 Strategic Plan
FRAMEWORK
Tulane University School of Medicine’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan sets a unified course for transforming healthcare, education, and research beyond extraordinary. Guided by the vision of becoming the Gulf South’s regional tertiary and quaternary destination, the plan advances three interconnected missions—clinical care, research, and education—through four institution-wide pillars: differentiation, innovation, expansion, and collaboration. Shaped by data-driven analysis and broad engagement across Tulane, TUSOM, LCMC, LSU, and community partners, the plan provides an ambitious, operationally grounded roadmap for growth and impact through 2030.
Vision
Transform healthcare, education, and research beyond the extraordinary
Strategic Direction
Become the regional Tertiary and Quaternary destination in the Gulf South Region
4 Pillars
Differentiation • Innovation • Expansion • Collaboration
3 Core Missions
Clinical Care • Education • Research
Execution Drivers
Foundational Requirements for Success
VISION
Transforming Healthcare, Education, and Research Beyond Extraordinary
Tulane University School of Medicine is committed to setting a higher standard for how healthcare is delivered, how future leaders are educated, and how discoveries improve lives. Through excellence, innovation, and purpose-driven collaboration, we will create meaningful impact across New Orleans, the Gulf South, and beyond.
Focus areas
- Advance exceptional patient care and outcomes
- Prepare physicians and health professionals for the future
- Accelerate discoveries that address critical health challenges
- Improve health and well-being across the region
Strategic Direction
Become the Regional Tertiary and Quaternary Destination in the Gulf South
Tulane University School of Medicine will strengthen its role as a destination for the region’s most complex medical needs. By expanding specialized clinical services, research capacity, academic programs, and strategic partnerships, TUSOM will attract patients, learners, faculty, researchers, and collaborators from across the Gulf South and beyond.
What this means
- Build regional leadership in complex and specialty care
- Expand access to advanced clinical services
- Strengthen connections between clinical care, education, and research
- Grow Tulane’s regional presence and influence
- Develop the people, facilities, technology, and partnerships needed for long-term excellence
.Four Institutional Pillars
The Forces Driving Our Strategic Progress
DIFFERENTIATION
Build on Our Distinctive Strengths
TUSOM will focus resources and expertise in areas where it can achieve distinctive excellence and make the greatest impact. Differentiation means developing recognized strengths that set Tulane apart in the Gulf South and nationally.
Key priorities
- Define and advance areas of distinctive clinical and research excellence
- Align investments with institutional strengths and regional needs
- Elevate Tulane’s academic and clinical reputation
- Create experiences that distinguish TUSOM for patients, learners, faculty, and partners
INNOVATION
Reimagine Care, Discovery, and Learning
TUSOM will embrace new approaches that improve outcomes, expand access, and prepare the institution for the future. Innovation will shape how we deliver care, conduct research, educate learners, and serve our communities.
Key priorities
- Develop new models of care and care delivery
- Translate discoveries into improved health outcomes
- Modernize education and learning experiences
- Use technology, data, and emerging tools responsibly
- Foster a culture that supports creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement
EXPANSION
Extend Our Reach and Capacity
TUSOM will grow its clinical presence, research enterprise, educational programs, and regional impact. Expansion will be strategic, mission-driven, and grounded in the needs of the Gulf South.
Key priorities
- Increase access to tertiary and quaternary care
- Expand clinical programs and regional partnerships
- Grow research programs, funding, and infrastructure
- Strengthen the pipeline of physicians, scientists, and health professionals
- Extend impact through community engagement and outreach
COLLABORATION
Achieve More Together
Partnerships are essential to TUSOM’s success. Through deeper collaboration with LCMC, LSU, Tulane University, and other academic, healthcare, community, and industry partners, TUSOM will align expertise and resources around shared goals.
Key priorities
- Deepen strategic partnerships with LCMC and LSU
- Strengthen collaboration across Tulane schools and programs
- Connect clinical, research, and education efforts
- Build productive relationships with community and external partners
- Create shared opportunities that advance regional health and discovery
Three Core Missions
The Missions That Define Our Impact
Deliver Advanced Care With Purpose
TUSOM will provide exceptional, patient-centered care while expanding access to the specialized services and expertise needed across the Gulf South. Clinical excellence will be supported by strong partnerships, innovative care models, and close integration with education and research.
Areas of focus
- High-quality, safe, and equitable patient care
- Growth in tertiary and quaternary services
- Improved access and patient experience
- Integrated clinical partnerships and referral networks
- Care models that support better outcomes and value
Prepare the Leaders Healthcare Needs
TUSOM will educate and develop physicians, scientists, and health professionals who are equipped to lead in a changing healthcare environment. Learners will be prepared through rigorous training, innovative teaching, mentorship, and meaningful clinical and research experiences.
Areas of focus
- Excellence across undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education
- Innovative and adaptable learning models
- Interprofessional and team-based education
- Recruitment, development, and retention of talented learners and faculty
- Training that advances health equity and community well-being
Turn Discovery Into Impact
TUSOM will advance research that addresses urgent health challenges and translates knowledge into meaningful improvements in care and health. The research enterprise will be strengthened through investment, collaboration, innovation, and connections to clinical practice.
Areas of focus
- Growth in high-impact research programs
- Translational research that moves discovery toward application
- Interdisciplinary and collaborative science
- Increased research funding and external partnerships
- Research that addresses the needs of the Gulf South and beyond
.Execution Drivers
Foundational Requirements for Success
Build the Capabilities That Make the Strategy Possible
The strategic plan will be supported by foundational capabilities that enable TUSOM to execute effectively, measure progress, and sustain momentum. These execution drivers connect the plan’s vision and priorities to day-to-day implementation.
People and Culture
Attract, develop, recognize, and retain the faculty, staff, learners, clinicians, and researchers who will drive the institution’s success.
Infrastructure and Resources
Invest in the facilities, technology, equipment, systems, and financial resources required to support growth and excellence.
Data and Performance Management
Use reliable data, benchmarking, transparent measures, and regular progress reviews to guide decisions and track outcomes.
Governance and Accountability
Establish clear ownership, decision-making processes, milestones, and accountability for strategic priorities.
Operational Excellence
Strengthen processes, coordination, communication, and resource stewardship across the organization.
Partnership Alignment
Ensure that institutional priorities are coordinated across Tulane School of Medicine, Tulane University, LCMC, LSU, and other strategic partners.
Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact
Embed a commitment to access, belonging, health equity, and meaningful service to the communities Tulane School of Medicine serves.
A Shared Roadmap for the Future
The 2026–2030 Strategic Plan provides a shared framework for advancing Tulane University School of Medicine’s clinical, educational, and research missions. Grounded in differentiation, innovation, expansion, and collaboration, the plan aligns people and resources around a common ambition: to transform healthcare, education, and research beyond extraordinary and strengthen TUSOM’s role as the Gulf South’s regional tertiary and quaternary destination.