Mercy Health-St Rita's Medical Center Program

Program Identity & Fit

St. Rita's is a community-based, faith-affiliated Level II trauma center program in Lima, Ohio, that pairs high-acuity urban-comparable pathology with genuine rural exposure through regular shifts at a free-standing ED in Putnam County. The three-year curriculum blends off-service rotations at a Level 1 adult trauma center (Toledo) and a major pediatric trauma center (Nationwide Children's, Columbus) with a HALO-procedure-rich environment and dedicated ultrasound/simulation training, reflecting a mission of producing versatile physicians who "thrive in any practice setting" rather than a single fellowship track. Research is present and supported (peer-reviewed publications, QI, case reports, national conference presentations) but described as expected scholarly activity rather than a defining identity, consistent with the program's newer status and community/regional orientation. The program explicitly values intellectual curiosity, teamwork, community-mindedness, and leadership, emphasizing collegiality ("Lima Nice"), disaster/industrial-response education with local fire and refinery partners, and resident involvement in surrounding underserved and blue-collar communities.