FAQ — Family Medicine Residency at St. Rita's Medical Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the residents supervised?
The level of supervision is based on the level and ability of each resident. Family Medicine (FM) residents are granted gradual responsibility for patient care according to their program level and individual abilities. This determination is based on resident evaluations, resident self-assessments, peer assessments, faculty observations, Clinical Competency Committee and Program Evaluation Committee.
Do the residents teach medical students?
The Family Medicine Clinic has medical students rotating throughout the year. Our residents are expected to participate in medical student education in their PGY 2 and PGY 3 years. This takes place in the Family Medicine Practice Clinic, classroom and simulation center. This aligns with our curriculum to develop the resident as a teacher and leader.
What is the trauma experience like at Mercy Health St. Rita’s?
Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center is a Level II trauma center and serves as the largest trauma services provider in a region of 10 surrounding counties as a 911 receiving hospital. St. Rita’s is located in the middle of a largely blue-collar city and within close proximity of the main interstate highway.
What is the physician well-being support level?
Mercy Health St. Rita’s takes physician wellness very seriously. The Family Medicine Residency Program plans quarterly wellness activities. Wellness is incorporated in didactics, and when possible, didactics are taken outside of the hospital into the community. Also, our residents have the support of the hospital and the Graduate Medical Education Department. The hospital has a dedicated wellbeing program called “Be Well” and counseling and convenience services through “Life Matters.” The Graduate Medical Education Department plans both educational and recreational activities for all residency programs.
Is attendance at didactics mandatory?
Residents are required to attend didactics to meet accreditation standards, but the Family Medicine program director and faculty put a strong emphasis on didactics and education. Any absence from didactics must be excused by the program director.
Can you describe the learning environment?
Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center is a collegial environment, locally known as “Lima Nice.” No matter what rotation, our residents find knowledgeable preceptors with a love of teaching. The hospital is committed to the education of our residents and has shown its support through building our new Graduate Medical Education Center that was completed in June 2021. The GME Center includes a simulation lab, library, classrooms and auditorium.
Are residents expected to do scholarly activity?
Yes. All residents are expected to produce teaching activity, quality/practice improvement and to participate in research, as well as other types of scholarly activity.
Are residents able to moonlight while in residency at Mercy Health St. Rita’s?
During their third year, our Family Medicine residents can moonlight with the approval of the program director. This ensures all educational goals are met as well as all residents follow ACGME’s duty hour guidelines. Our region has many community hospitals and clinics within driving distance.