NEOMED partners with Mercy Health in Cincinnati, Youngstown and Lorain

Cincinnati-based Mercy Health and NEOMED formed a strategic partnership aimed at expanding workforce development initiatives and building a strong pipeline of physicians to serve communities statewide. Mercy Health operates the largest number of hospitals in Ohio.  

NEOMED students now have increased access to Mercy Health’s hospitals and clinical sites in the Youngstown, Lorain and Cincinnati regions, where they are gaining real-world experience caring for a broad range of patient populations. The expanded rotations are expected to deepen students’ clinical competencies, strengthen community connections and provide meaningful exposure to practice environments where physician shortages are most pressing.

“This partnership represents a powerful step forward in preparing the next generation of physicians and meeting the healthcare needs of our state,” said NEOMED President John Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., FACS. “NEOMED’s affiliation with Mercy Health brings to life a shared vision to transform medical education and advance healthcare access.”

By expanding clinical training opportunities in Ohio, the partnership also aims to encourage more medical students to remain in the state after graduation. Research shows physicians are more likely to practice in regions where they complete their training, making this effort a critical step in addressing projected physician shortages across Ohio, particularly in underserved and regional communities.

“Expanding access to care in Ohio starts with training more physicians. By increasing opportunities for hands-on learning within Mercy Health’s hospitals and clinical sites, we’re building a stronger workforce that’s more likely to stay, practice and serve where the need is greatest,” said John Luellen, M.D., state president, Ohio, Mercy Health. “Together with NEOMED, we’re advancing medical education in a way that helps ensure more Ohioans can receive high-quality care close to home.”

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment between NEOMED and Mercy Health to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care and to invest in the future of care delivery.