FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How are our residents supervised?

Resident supervision is based on each resident’s level of training and demonstrated competency. From the first day of residency, faculty provide close supervision while gradually increasing autonomy as residents gain experience and proficiency. This graduated responsibility ensures residents are well prepared for independent emergency medicine practice.

Does St. Rita’s accept IMG applicants?

Yes. We welcome qualified IMGs to apply to our residency program.

How do residents receive mentorship?

The mentor-mentee relationship is a critical source of support for our residents. Every incoming PGY-1 resident is paired with a faculty member during our bootcamp orientation. We encourage each new resident to create a preferred list of faculty mentors after a scheduled meet-and-greet event to generate cohesive pairings.

Can you describe the learning environment?

Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center is a collegial environment. No matter the rotation, our residents find knowledgeable preceptors with a love of teaching. Importantly, our hospital is committed to medical education. In 2021, a new $15 million Graduate Medical Education Center opened, which includes multiple simulation labs, library, classrooms, and auditorium.

What procedures do the residents perform?

Residents gain hands-on experience with the full scope of procedures performed in the Emergency Department. Every procedure available within our ED serves as a learning opportunity for residents, allowing you to develop confidence and technical skill throughout training. In addition to the Emergency Department experience, residents participate in procedure-rich rotations in Critical Care and Trauma, further expanding procedural competency and readiness for independent practice.

How does our residency promote resident wellness?

We prioritize resident wellness through connection, support, and access to resources. Each year, residents participate in a retreat focused on team building, mutual support, and relationship development. Throughout the year, faculty sponsor additional social events to encourage connection and community. Residents also have access to Mercy Health’s “Be Well” program, which provides comprehensive resources to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Is attendance at didactics mandatory?

The Emergency Medicine program director and faculty put a strong emphasis on didactics and education. Residents are required to attend a minimum of 70 percent of all didactics to meet ACGME accreditation standards.

What are the opportunities to pursue scholarly activities?

All residents are expected to engage in teaching activity, quality/practice improvement, and to participate in research. Project opportunities span a variety of topics, including clinical pathways, patient experience, artificial intelligence applications, and medical education. These experiences help residents develop skills in inquiry, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Do the residents teach medical students?

Yes. Medical students rotate through our Emergency Department throughout the year, and our residents play an important role in their education. PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents participate in teaching within the Emergency Department, classroom, and simulation center. These experiences are designed to develop residents as confident educators, communicators, and leaders in medicine.

Do residents get experience with pediatric populations?

Yes. Residents gain pediatric emergency medicine experience through both our Emergency Department and dedicated pediatric rotations. Approximately 16.5% of patients treated at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center are pediatric patients, providing consistent exposure during residency. To further enhance pediatric training, residents complete two rotations at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of the busiest pediatric Emergency Departments in the country. Housing is provided by the residency program during these rotations to support a focused learning experience.

Are residents able to moonlight while in residency at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s?

During their third year, our Emergency Medicine residents can moonlight internally or externally with the approval of the program director. Residents have access to a variety of opportunities, including nearby community hospitals and potential opportunities with Mercy Health Life Flight.

What does resident involvement in the community look like?

Our Emergency Medicine Residency Program is committed to serving the Lima community through service, education, and outreach. Residents participate in opportunities such as event medicine, community mobile clinics, and international elective experiences, allowing them to expand their impact beyond the Emergency Department.