Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), the nation’s largest medical college with a flagship campus in Erie, Pennsylvania, will open a new regional campus this summer at Mercy Hospital Jefferson, which will be its first Midwest location.

In addition to preparing students to become physicians, pharmacists, dentists and podiatrists, LECOM serves its communities by addressing health care needs and improving the overall quality of life for residents. LECOM’S mission mirrors Mercy’s mission, which follows the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy by bringing care where it is needed and serving people where they live.

LECOM chose Mercy Jefferson for its rural setting; rural communities need additional support to sustain health care resources. Rural health care facilities also provide medical students who want to serve rural areas the chance to learn in the same setting.

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 prevent the necessity for hospital care, particularly important in a rural setting where there are often fewer health care options.

The LECOM regional campus includes the added benefit of the school’s Early Acceptance Program. Through this 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. 

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.

The first cohort of 12 medical students will arrive this summer, and the regional campus will grow over the years to as many as 72 medical students. Mercy Jefferson will provide all clinical rotations training students to become skilled, compassionate physicians, and Mercy Jefferson clinicians will have the opportunity to serve as medical education faculty.

Learn more about our work at Mercy Jefferson today.