LSUHSC has pioneered the Centers of Excellence model in Louisiana—bringing together clinical and basic science researchers to share resources and spark innovation.  Centers conduct research, education, and/or patient care.   Functioning as interdisciplinary entities, each Center is headed by a Director, who reports to the relevant School Dean. Crossing traditional boundaries for schools, colleges, and departments, all of the 11 Centers contribute significantly to the continued growth in research productively at the Health Sciences Center.  The results have truly been remarkable.