New Orleans-based LCMC Health is sounding the alarm that state budget cuts could force its University Medical Center to cut a 900-physician residency program that trains students from Baton Rouge-based Louisiana State University and New Orleans-based Tulane medical schools, according to The Times-Picayune.
The cuts were made by the state House Appropriations Committee and would reduce funding to the schools by 25 percent, according to a letter obtained by The Times-Picayune from LCMC Health CEO Greg Feirn.
Larry Hollier, MD, chancellor of LSU Health Sciences, added in a written statement, "LSU appreciates the committee's efforts to redistribute funding for LSU's hospital partners, but remains concerned the proposed cuts will jeopardize training programs for future doctors and health professionals," according to the report.
However, House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry has said the threats to close the residency programs are merely meant to "shock" legislators, according to the report.
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee sided with LCMC, calling the cuts "nonsensical," according to the report.
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