The first cohort of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) students at
Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Festus, Missouri have begun their first clinical rotation year.
LECOM, as one of the largest medical colleges in the nation, recently celebrated the
opening of its new regional campus at Mercy Jefferson – its first Midwest location.
Mercy Jefferson hosted a Blessing of the Hands and an opening celebration on June 21,
2024, to welcome 12 third-year scholars.
Upon hearing the news that LECOM was opening this new regional campus, Olivia
Cossins asked to transfer to the new location for her fourth year of studies.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for me to be closer to home and to get the medical
education I’m seeking from LECOM,” Cossins beamed. “LECOM is such a great fit for
so many of us; I’m excited that it will be more accessible to those of us in the Midwest,”
the scholar stated.
The addition of LECOM to the Jefferson County community provides many great
opportunities in the region.
“This is a tremendous addition for our county and for all of our residents,” the Jefferson
County Executive, Dennis Gannon, said. “It’s an educational opportunity for residents,
especially those who take advantage of the LECOM Early Acceptance Program. It will
draw students seeking advanced degrees, helping to grow our population. It will help us
retain and add physicians who want the opportunity to serve as faculty. It will draw
additional physicians who choose to stay here to serve our county, after completing their
medical education. There are so many positives that will come from having LECOM
here,” Gannon affirmed.
Through the Early Acceptance Program, LECOM and Mercy will team with local high
schools and colleges to identify potential medical school candidates and guide them in
earning an advanced degree.
“Less than 7% of Jefferson County residents have earned a master’s degree or higher,”
said Dr. Karthik Iyer, Mercy Jefferson Chief Medical Officer, who serves as LECOM
Regional Dean. “We see a tremendous opportunity for us to increase that number by
removing potential barriers and improving access to higher education,” he noted.
LECOM seeks to assist applicants who are the first in their family to enter higher
education. It offers one of the lowest tuition fees in the nation for private medical
colleges and provides financial aid to 89% of its students.
In addition to choosing Mercy Jefferson for its shared mission and values, LECOM was
intentional in seeking out the non-urban setting. The more rural a community is, the
more support it needs to sustain healthcare resources.
About 70% of LECOM graduates become primary care physicians. Mercy prioritizes
increasing the number of primary care physicians to ensure patients have the access they
need to maintain good health and to prevent the necessity for hospital care, which is
particularly important in communities with fewer healthcare options.
“Medical students often grow to love the communities where they undergo their
training,” said Dr. Michael Rowane, LECOM Associate Dean of Clinical Education.
“Frequently, once these students become doctors, they choose to stay in the community,”
concluded Dr. Rowane.
In addition to preparing students to become physicians, LECOM educates future
pharmacists, dentists, and podiatrists. LECOM and Mercy plan to expand the regional
campus throughout the coming years, welcoming as many as 72 medical students.