SHREVEPORT, La. — LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine reported a 97.8% overall placement rate for its 2026 graduating class during the annual Match Day, exceeding the national average and underscoring continued competitiveness in residency placement.
A total of 142 fourth-year medical students learned their residency assignments as part of the nationwide Match Day process, which marks the transition from medical school to graduate medical education. Of those applicants, 95.1% secured clinical residency positions through the National Resident Matching Program, compared with the 2026 national average of 93.5%.
The institution also reported a five-year average match rate of 98%.
Retention within the state remains a key outcome. According to LSU Health Shreveport, 23.2% of graduates will remain at the institution for residency training, while 43.5% will stay in Louisiana overall. Among those remaining in-state, 76.7% will train at LSU-affiliated academic medical centers.
“LSU Health Shreveport is honored to have so many of our students continuing their medical education at our university hospitals which is vital to meeting the healthcare needs of our citizens,” said Lester W. Johnson, interim dean and senior vice chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport.
The in-state retention figures come as Louisiana faces a projected physician shortage. The American Medical Association estimates the state could have an undersupply of 100 physicians per 100,000 residents by 2030, ranking among the most severe shortages nationally.
Graduates matched into a range of competitive residency programs across the country, including placements at major academic institutions such as the University of Alabama, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina, Mayo Clinic, New York Presbyterian, Barrow Neurological Institute, Rutgers and Baylor.
“Today is a great day at LSU Health Shreveport as we continue to deliver a strong Match rate with so many of our students achieving this required step in becoming a practicing physician,” Johnson said. “I salute each student for their hard work resulting in successfully competing in the national match.”
Match Day results also determine incoming residency cohorts. LSU Health Shreveport reported that all 142 available residency positions were filled. New residents and fellows are scheduled to begin training in July across affiliated hospitals, including Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Academic Medical Center, St. Mary Medical Center, Monroe Medical Center and Rapides Regional Medical Center.
The class of 2026 is scheduled to receive Doctor of Medicine degrees on May 9.