Mercy Health and The Ohio State University are collaborating to bring more doctors to rural communities.
By 2025, Ohio is projected to be shy 1,200 primary care physicians, according to estimates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nationwide, the number could be as high as 55,200 by 2032. Dr. JJ Sreenan and OSU's Lori Martensen told us that in order to fill the need for physicians, especially in rural communities, Mercy Health and The Ohio State University have created a program in which 15 medical students per year will spend their first two years training at OSU in Columbus and their third and fourth years training at St. Rita's Medical Center here in Lima. Students are chosen for the program based on their life experience in a rural community and their desire to practice in a rural community with the hope that once they graduate, they will fill the physician shortage in the smaller towns. Lima was chosen for the program, in part, because St. Rita's is a large, busy hospital and its Graduate Medical Education Center offers state-of-the-art simulation and teaching facilities.
Also at Monday's meeting, Mike Swick presented the proceeds from the Spring Blood Clinic to Lima Rotary Foundation President Russ Decker. We raised $7,451.20. Thanks to all who participated!
We also presented last quarter's Rottery proceeds in the amount of $427 to Rally Point Youth Center.