Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport brings in a lot of students from around the country to study and train. LSUHSC-S is home to a medical school, a PA program, several medical residencies and fellowships, along with other allied health programs.

Students in these programs spend a lot of time dedicated just to their studies and work, leaving their spouses to take care of the household alone in their absence. A new group called Shreveport Medical Spouses now brings the partners of these medical professionals together to offer support and fellowship.

The idea for the group started in 2016, but it wasn’t until 2017 that the group really took off. The members gather together at local restaurants and bars, as well as have picnics and other events. Their main goal is to support one another.

“Having a spouse in medical training can be stressful for the whole family”, said Christa McCord. McCord is the group’s president, and she says that since it’s inception, the group has served as an excellent resource for people new to the area.

“Medical training is similar to the military in that we move every three to four years”, she said. “A lot of us are new to the area, far away from our family and friends, so it’s helpful to have a network established here.”

The group just held it’s first annual chili-cookoff and is looking to expand its activities in the near future.

LSUHSC-S has been very supportive of the group. The school even invited them to the school’s residency fair, where prospective residents got a tour of the school and the area. “Having a spouses group is a huge draw for prospective students,” McCord said.

The group is open to anyone whose spouse is in medical training. While the group is mostly women, there are a few men and McCord hopes more will join them in the near future.

If you are a medical spouse and would like more information about the group, you can visit their Facebook page.