Mercy physician named one of America’s favorite pediatricians of 2014
Mercy Pediatric Clinic’s Rick Mersch, MD, FAAP, is one of seven pediatricians nationally to be recognized as Parents magazine’s 2014 “Our Favorite Pediatricians.” Dr. Mersch and the other winners will be featured in the magazine’s November issue and on its social media sites.
Parents magazine chose Dr. Mersch for the award after receiving nine nominations on his behalf from patients during the nomination period last spring. Kara Corridan, Parents Health Director, said the number of nominations received for Dr. Mersch was high.
Courtney East, of Marion, was the parent who wrote the winning nomination, praising Dr. Mersch for his attentive care for her daughter Ellie and commending him for even making house calls.
“Dr. Mersch is the absolute best pediatrician! We are blessed to have this wonderful man in our lives,” said East. She will receive a $500 Wal-Mart gift card for submitting the winning nomination.
“It’s an honor to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Mersch. “It is my pleasure and honor to serve the families that entrust me with the care of their children. It’s an extremely rewarding profession and I feel fortunate to be part of such a dedicated team of caregivers at Mercy Pediatric Clinic.”
As part of the recognition, Dr. Mersch will receive a $1,000 award to be given to the charity of his choice: Des Moines-based Camp Heart Connection Oncology Camp for children with cancer.
More than 2,100 physicians were nominated for the magazine’s award; 30 were chosen as semi-finalists, including Mercy Pediatric Clinic’s Scott Nau, MD, FAAP. Corridan said it was very unusual to have two doctors from the same office nominated and Dr. Nau was a strong contender.
Dr. Mersch has been a practicing pediatrician for 13 years, including 10 years in the Cedar Rapids area. He received his medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine and completed his pediatric residency at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He is board certified in pediatrics.
