New Orleans
Discover the Heart of New Orleans with Modern Traditions: A Journey into African American Heritage and Healthcare
Sept 17-21, 2025
Embark on a transformative experience that deepens your understanding of healthcare disparities and the resilience of African American communities in New Orleans. This program focuses on the intersection of culture, history, and healthcare, providing healthcare professionals and those interested in health equity with a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by African American populations. Gain valuable insights into how historical and social factors have shaped the current healthcare landscape, and explore innovative approaches to addressing health inequities.
Why New Orleans?
Few places can boast world-famous music, iconic food, and resilience of the Crescent City.
New Orleans is a living, breathing testament to the resilience and cultural contributions of its African American community. Although most travelers only scratch the surface of New Orleans by enjoying the richness of its Cajun and Creole cuisines and jazz clubs, the city’s history is deeply intertwined with struggles for justice, healthcare access, and equity. Our journey aims to both explore the systemic healthcare issues faced by African Americans while also highlighting the cultural strengths of this population, which shape health practices and outcomes.
A key component of this trip will be opportunities for you to interact with the local healthcare professionals, policy experts, and community leaders who are driving change in the face of significant challenges.
What You’ll Experience:
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at the Eliza Jane hotel, located in the heart of New Orleans! After settling in, we’ll gather at the hotel for our kick off with local healthcare professionals across various fields—including medicine, behavioral health, and dentistry. This informal gathering will allow you to hear firsthand insights into the challenges they encounter, especially in a city where healthcare access remains a concern for so many. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a dinner that gives a sneak peek into New Orleans flavors while discussing the day's experiences and takeaways.
What You’ll Learn: Gain firsthand insights into the challenges of healthcare access in New Orleans and understand how cultural, historical, and systemic factors impact health equity in the city.
Meals included: dinner
Day 2: Roots and Resistance
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel–and we’ll take a short bus ride to The Whitney Plantation, a historical site known for presenting the realities of the AnteBellum era from the perspective of the enslaved . After, you’ll have some free time back in the city before we head to dinner at Dooky Chase, a landmark restaurant that has hosted pivotal civil rights meetings. Over dinner, we’ll talk about how the civil rights movement has influenced the modern healthcare landscape and explore the ongoing fight for health equity.
What You’ll Learn: Understand the deep historical roots of racial inequality and its long-term impact on health outcomes. Reflect on how the civil rights movement shaped today’s healthcare landscape and the ongoing fight for equity.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 3: From the Struggle to Resilience
You’ll need your walking shoes because you’ll take part in a cultural scavenger hunt through two iconic neighborhoods: the Lower 9th Ward and Treme, the country’s oldest African American neighborhood . This tour will offer a firsthand look at how the Social Determinants of Health affect the well-being of residents. Afterward, the rest of the day is yours to reflect on these challenges and explore all the beauty New Orleans has to offer.
What You’ll Learn: Witness the real-world impact of social determinants of health—such as housing, education, and healthcare access—and how community-driven efforts are reshaping these neighborhoods and the health of those living there.
Meals included: breakfast
Day 4: Modern Legacy
On the final full day, we’ll delve into the ways that African American traditional healing practices intersect with modern medicine. Begin with a morning visit to City Park, where you’ll meet a local herbalist who will share how cultural heritage and traditional knowledge influence contemporary health practices in New Orleans. This conversation will shed light on how African American traditions and natural remedies contribute to community health and wellness.To wrap up our journey, we'll reflect on our experiences and insights over a farewell dinner at Compère Lapin.
What You’ll Learn: Explore how cultural heritage and traditional healing contribute to modern health and wellness practices. Develop a deeper appreciation for integrating culturally responsive care into your healthcare approach.
**Meals Included:** Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast at the Eliza Jane before heading back to your practice–with a new sense of connection with your African American patients! Take time to reflect on the past several days about how you will incorporate cultural humility in your practice before boarding your flight home!
You’ll leave New Orleans with:
✺ A deeper understanding of African American history and its impact on healthcare
✺ Practical tools for integrating cultural humility into your own practice
✺ Connections with other providers from New Orleans & around the country
✺ Memories of the vibrant soulful city that is New Orleans!
What’s Included
✺ Hotel accommodations (single and double occupancy options available).
✺ Meals where listed above.
✺ Activities listed during Day 1 - 4.
✺ Transportation to and from activities.
✺ New Orleans Welcome Bag
Doesn’t include:
✺ Mandatory travelers insurance
✺ Flight to/from New Orleans
✺ Transportation to/from airport
✺ Alcohol unless listed
✺ Personal/incidental expenses
Our trips are small and intimate (up to 10 travelers) to ensure a personal, hands-on experience.
Spots are limited, so reserve yours today and embark on a journey that is more than just a trip– its an eye-opening experience that will change how you see healthcare and culture forever
Rooms
Queen Double Room
Experience timeless elegance in this spacious queen room with two plush queen beds. With soaring ceilings and historic brick and beam accents, every detail pays homage to our storied past. Starting at 275 square feet, this thoughtfully designed retreat offers stunning atrium or city views and a modern workspace—perfect for tackling tasks or sparking your creativity. The bathroom? It's pure luxury, featuring beveled subway tiles and sophisticated Carrara marble vanities.
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55” FLAT-SCREEN TV
HEAT & AC
HAIRDRYER
PLUSH ROBES
KEURIG™ + COFFEE & TEA
MINIFRIDGE
IRON & IRONING BOARD
IN-ROOM SAFE
COMPLIMENTARY WI-FI
C.O. BIGELOW BATH AMENITIES
King Single Room
Relax and enjoy the cozy elegance of this spacious 250-square-foot hotel room. Designed with comfort and style in mind, it features a plush king bed, a modern work desk, and charming exposed brick details that highlight our original warehouse roots. As for the views—prepare to be captivated! Gaze out onto Picayune Street, Natchez Street, and beyond, offering the perfect backdrop for world-class people-watching.
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55” FLAT-SCREEN TV
HEAT & AC
HAIRDRYER
PLUSH ROBES
KEURIG™ + COFFEE & TEA
MINIFRIDGE
IRON & IRONING BOARD
IN-ROOM SAFE
COMPLIMENTARY WI-FI
C.O. BIGELOW BATH AMENITIES
✺ Book Your Spot Now!! ✺
All of this starting at $3,000 for double occupancy rooms (single occupancy available)!
50% non-refundable deposit required with the remaining balance due 60 days before the trip start date.