The Medical Education and Innovation Center

On a philosophical basis, a challenge in medical education is to create an environment that fosters the development of highly sophisticated critical thinkers while simultaneously remaining focused on the humanism that defines the most outstanding clinicians.  This is the thematic foundation upon which LSU's Medical Education and Innovation Center (MEIC) was designed.

The MEIC's mission is to attract purpose-driven individuals of whom Dr. Catherine Lucey, Vice-Dean for Education at the University of California at San Francisco, references in the following commentary.  "Residents who choose to work caring for vulnerable populations are a special group of people.  They are truly purpose driven and they are willing to work to make sure that everyone in a community has access to the kind of doctors we all want for the people we love.  The literature shows that physicians who train in such environments are much more likely to continue to serve the poor and disenfranchised, even though it may mean personal sacrifice."

The MEIC is intended to foster a "sense of place" for all purpose-driven individuals attracted to Baton Rouge.  This idea was proposed by Ms. Carol Gikas, the President and Executive Director of the Louisiana Art & Science Museum.  "Whenever we experience a sense of place, we know it and we remember it.  Experiencing a sense of place prepares our senses, minds, and hearts to be engaged, and it instills a desire in us to join the community of others that has given meaning to a place.  Appropriateness of design and the authenticity of objects in a space are important elements that help foster a feeling of human belonging.  Where there is a strong sense of space there is a strong sense of pride."

The notable artwork and spaces contributing to our sense of place are found on the second-floor Teaching Terrace, in the Reconciliation Room and rounding areas located throughout the building.  The MEIC, through its award-winning design, also pays tribute to Charity Hospital in New Orleans and the LSU undergraduate campus in Baton Rouge.  The tower on the east side of the building is reminiscent of the Campanile on LSU's main campus, and the outdoor garden and terraced seating area was influenced by the Greek Theater.  A contemporary interpretation of Enrique Alferez's Art Deco piece found above the main entrance of Charity Hospital is displayed on the back wall of the first-floor lobby.

As the epicenter of GME efforts in Baton Rouge, the MEIC creates a peaceful and reflective environment that conveys a message that medicine should remain foremost a healing profession that embodies humanism as one of its most fundamental characteristics.