Mercy has hired 32 new physicians and advanced practice providers as part of a $500 million investment in the next phase of its expansion in Northwest Arkansas. The second phase was announced in July 2022 with a number of ambitious goals: doubling the current number of primary care physicians and specialists for the region, building out the top floors of the hospital, adding new clinic locations and more.

“Phase two of Mercy’s expansion in the Northwest Arkansas community starts with the addition of one of the most important elements in patient care – more physicians and advanced practice providers,” said Ryan Gehrig, president of Mercy Hospitals Arkansas. “By ultimately adding 100 new primary care and specialty health care providers, we will effectively double the number we had at the time we announced this new phase of expansion. The speed with which we have already hired a third of that goal in just six months demonstrates our dedication to meeting the health care needs of our community.”

The U.S. Census Bureau ranks Northwest Arkansas as the sixth-fastest-growing midsize metro area in the country. Mercy’s expansion is necessary to meet the ongoing population growth of the region and the resulting higher demand for high-quality, low-cost health care. According to key findings from the Northwest Arkansas Healthcare: Assessment, Economic Impact and Vision for the Future report, there is a need for the development of sub-specialty areas that include cardiology and oncology. Shortages in these critical areas have forced some patients to seek treatment outside the region.

To learn more about Mercy Health Foundation’s efforts to expand care in Northwest Arkansas, click here.