About Our Program

Vision

To produce exceptional board-certified physicians through innovative and competency-based education and leadership experiences. 

Aims 

• Provide an excellent educational opportunity to train residents that will practice evidence-based medicine that will encompass full spectrum Family Medicine

• Train residents to pursue lifelong learning skills that will allow them to maintain and enhance and perfect their practice long after graduation

• Ensure that all residents are exposed to full spectrum Family Medicine so that they will have all options available to them when they graduate

• Graduates will be prepared to be leaders within their medical communities and have the ability to communicate with their patients, support staff, health system, and specialty physicians in such a way that enhances the overall health of the community

Upon completion of the program, residents will be able to independently and competently practice the full scope of Family Medicine, including hospital medicine, ambulatory medicine, emergency medicine, and  uncomplicated obstetrics. The program seeks residents committed to their education and provides the atmosphere and opportunities where this commitment can be nurtured and grow.

About Our Residency

For more than 25 years, MercyOne Family Medicine has dedicated itself to the training of  Family Medicine Residents. The MercyOne Des Moines Family Medicine residency is a dynamic program offering ambulatory and inpatient training, including obstetrics, in a variety of settings. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center is a busy tertiary health care system in Des Moines, Iowa, that offers a wealth of experience for our residents. MercyOne Des Moines partners with Primary Health Care (PHC) for our Continuity Clinic. PHC is a federally Qualified Health Care Center serving the underserved and culturally diverse populations in Des Moines. The program is distinguished by providing a wealth of clinical experiences and a broad scope of practice training that prepares graduates to work in a variety of settings. Training is further enhanced by weekly educational half-day didactics and workshops covering a diverse range of topics.

Osteopathic Recognition

Osteopathic Recognition - MercyOne Family Medicine Residency has received Osteopathic Recognition from the ACGME. Osteopathic Recognition is a designation conferred by the ACGME’s Osteopathic Recognition Committee upon ACGME-accredited programs that demonstrate, through a formal application process, the commitment to teaching and assessing Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) at the graduate medical education level.  Designated osteopathic residents have the opportunity to apply their skills in our OMM clinic, complete osteopathically focused research topics and attend Osteopathic lectures. Having Osteopathic Recognition formally acknowledges that Osteopathic Practice and Philosophy are important to us at Mercy Family Medicine. The focus of our program is helping you develop the ability to use your hands to enhance your patient’s health and wellbeing. In addition to the extra training, residents that complete the Osteopathic Recognition track are eligible to sit for both Osteopathic (Family Medicine and OMM) and Allopathic (Family Medicine) specialty boards.

Our Family Medicine Center

Located on the grounds of MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, the Primary Health Care Clinic functions as a Federally Qualified Health Care Center, offering comprehensive health care to our community’s diverse population. Services range from prenatal care to geriatric medicine, including minor surgery and many other procedures. We have about 31,000 visits per year including approximately 330 deliveries that serve as the foundation for a strong Women’s Health and Pediatric experience in our FMC. In addition to the faculty and residents, the clinic care team consists of nurses, medical assistants, social worker, behavioral health counselor, pharmacist, interpreter, and benefit specialist. We have a team-based approach to patient care that creates a dynamic teaching practice for our residency.