Meet the Director and Team — Family Medicine Residency at St. Rita's Medical Center

Welcome from the Program Director 

Thank you for your interest in our program! After more than 20 years as a full-time family medicine clinician with an interest in teaching, I have taken over as program director of Mercy Health – St. Rita Medical Center’s Family Medicine Residency Program. Though culture and family atmosphere are often spoken of when talking about residency programs, it is definitely palpable here. Our graduate medical education leadership, hospital leadership and faculty are committed to your development, both personally and professionally. We are outpatient-based and leadership-focused with our state-of-the-art Graduate Medical Education Building to assist in your training.

Eric Stallkamp
Eric Stallkamp, MD | Program Director

Medical School: The Ohio State University
Residency: Grant Medical Center

Born and raised in the Lima area, I attended St. Charles and Lima Central Catholic. After serving as core faculty with St. Rita’s Family Medicine Residency Program for several years, I have taken over as program director and am excited to be training doctors who will help take care of Lima for many years! Preventive care and improving the quality of care delivered to patients are passions of mine. I enjoy traveling with my family, cycling and the Buckeyes, Blue Jackets and Steelers!

Jeffrey Eiden
Jeffrey Eiden, MD | Associate Program Director

Medical School: The Ohio State University
Residency: Grant Medical Center

I was born and raised in a rural community in northwest Ohio. After earning a medical degree and completing residency, my wife (also a family physician) and I returned to practice in rural Ohio. Although I enjoyed outpatient practice, I missed the academic environment. This year, after 22 fulfilling years in practice, I was presented with the opportunity to join the faculty of St. Rita’s Family Medicine Residency Program! It has been one of the most enjoyable ventures I have undertaken to date. What a great combination – the ability to practice medicine and teach residents! My goals are to participate in research around lifestyle changes and to develop experiences where the residents can engage in medical care in underserved areas overseas. Outside of medicine, I enjoy small-scale farming and outdoor pursuits with my family.

Katelyn Leopold
Katelyn Leopold, MD | Associate Program Director

Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Residency: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

A native of northwest Ohio, I spent 11 years in the Greater Cincinnati area completing my education and residency before returning to my hometown to begin my medical practice. I enjoyed 11 years in a busy full-scope outpatient practice before joining the Mercy Health Family Medicine Residency Program as a core faculty member in May of 2022. My professional interests include pediatric care, women’s health and sports medicine. My husband and I enjoy spending time outdoors, camping and playing sports with our five young sons. I am an avid gardener, runner, reader and love to travel.

Core Faculty 

Samantha Cain, PhD
Staci Dotson, PharmD
Anna Kauffman, MD
Ana Pere, MD
Esther Strahan, PhD

Contact Us

Program Coordinator: Michelle Helmig
Email address: mlhelmig@mercy.com