Staff

Mercy Medical Center is assembling a brand-new, hospital-employed anesthesiology team, offering physicians the opportunity to help shape the department's structure, workflows, and culture from day one. With a strong emphasis on physician leadership, teamwork, and efficiency, Mercy is committed to creating an engaged, high-performing anesthesia team that aligns with the hospital’s strategic vision.

Anesthesiology Team Composition

Full team target: 26 anesthesiologists to support 21 anesthesia lines per day.
Initial focus: Recruiting experienced anesthesiologists who can lead the transition and set the foundation for the department.
CRNA Integration Plan:
Initially focused in Endoscopy (5 daily rooms)
Expansion into Ophthalmology and select outpatient procedures as the team grows.
One anesthesiologist per day assigned to "off-site" coverage (Cath Lab, MRI, EP, etc.).
Dedicated cardiac anesthesia group (4 physicians) to support cardiothoracic procedures and EP cases.

Physician Expectations & Culture

Mercy is seeking anesthesiologists who are:

Team-Oriented – Able to collaborate closely with surgeons, nurses, and leadership.
Versatile – Comfortable with a broad case mix and various anesthesia settings.
Engaged in Growth – Willing to contribute ideas, enhance workflows, and improve patient care.
Leadership-Minded – Physicians interested in mentorship, quality metrics, and departmental decision-making.

Mercy does not want physicians who simply "punch the clock." Instead, they are looking for anesthesiologists who want to help build a successful, physician-driven department.

Leadership Opportunities

As Mercy establishes its in-house anesthesia service, early team members will have substantial influence over department policies, staffing structures, and procedural workflows. Leadership roles include:

Medical Director of Anesthesia – Oversee department growth and clinical operations.
ASC Oversight Director – Lead anesthesia services for the Ambulatory Surgery Center.
CRNA Oversight Director – Guide the integration and expansion of CRNAs into the system.
Acute Pain Management Director – Develop and enhance regional anesthesia & pain protocols.

These leadership positions provide opportunities for career growth, strategic input, and financial incentives for physicians who want to take on expanded responsibilities.

Hospital & Surgical Team Collaboration

Mercy’s anesthesia team will work closely with:

Surgeons & Specialists – Mercy employs a large network of specialists, including one of the busiest breast surgeons in Iowa and a highly active general & urology surgical team.
Hospitalists & Critical Care Teams – Collaborative care model for ICU and complex inpatient management.
OB Physicians & Midwives – Supporting low-to-moderate OB volume, with a focus on C-sections, VBACs, and epidurals.
Cardiology & EP Teams – Dedicated cardiac anesthesia physicians will provide procedural support.

Hospital Administration & Support

Mercy is highly physician-friendly, emphasizing collaboration, efficiency, and process improvement.
Epic EMR is fully implemented, streamlining documentation and scheduling.
Physician input is valued, particularly in optimizing anesthesia workflows and enhancing surgical efficiency.
Medical Staff Bylaws are being revised to allow for CRNA utilization, providing anesthesiologists a chance to shape team expansion.

Summary: Why Join the Mercy Anesthesia Team?

Be part of a brand-new anesthesia service line with the ability to influence structure & policies.
Work in a high-volume, high-acuity setting with 1,200+ surgical cases per month.
Join a physician-led hospital culture where your input directly impacts patient care & efficiency.
Take on leadership opportunities and help shape the department’s long-term vision.
Enjoy a strong team-based environment with a clear emphasis on collaboration and professional growth.