Mercy Medical Center-New Hampton announced today that Mercy Family Clinic will welcome six family practice physicians in August 2010.
    The contracts have been finalized and signed by Dr. Paul McQuillen, Dr. April McQuillen, Dr. John Epperly, Dr. Shea Epperly, Dr. Rick Moberly and Dr. Jack Kline.
    “We are excited about making our home in New Hampton. We look forward to getting to know new friends and becoming involved in the community. We truly see our career as physicians as a calling – both as a ministry to our community at home and to those overseas,” said Dr. Paul McQuillen. 
    Last August, these physicians started a nationwide search to find a rural, faith-based hospital where they could all practice together. They met while in residency at Via Christi Medical Center in Wichita, Kan., and became close friends through their interest in full-spectrum family practice, international medicine and a strong faith in God.
    A delegation from New Hampton visited Wichita in November for a dinner meeting with the physicians. In January, the residents of New Hampton and Chickasaw County left a lasting impression when the physicians visited for a weekend. New Hampton was one of six communities in the country eager to recruit this talented group.
    “The new Mercy Family Clinic-New Hampton facility brings to mind a famous Iowa motto: ‘build it and they will come.’ When they visited New Hampton in January, the doctors were impressed that Trinity Health, Mercy-North Iowa and the community believe so strongly in the future of New Hampton, to risk $3.5 million on a hope and a prayer to attract additional providers,” said Bruce Roesler, Mercy Medical Center-New Hampton CEO.
    “I am excited about coming to New Hampton. It is our goal to restart the obstetrics program at Mercy to give more options to local women during their pregnancies. New Hampton is a great town and I look forward to living and working with the community,” said Dr. Rick Moberly.
    All six residents recently graduated and Dr. J. Epperly, Dr. Moberly, Dr. Kline and Dr. P. McQuillen will spend one year in the Via Christi International Family Medicine Fellowship, which will equip these family physicians with a unique knowledge base and clinical skills set necessary to effectively serve the poorest and most underserved people of this world. The fellowship will provide real training to mobilize a force of compassionate, competent family physicians who will go and make a real difference in transforming the lives and health of nations.
    “When we first met the representatives from New Hampton, we were amazed – this seemed too good to be true! After visiting the community of New Hampton we were reassured that this was an answer to our prayer in finding a place where we could serve people stateside as well as abroad. The town has met us with open arms and embraced our desire to glorify the Lord in our practice through missions. We look forward to being involved in the community and schools of New Hampton in addition to just the medical side of town. We anxiously await joining your community!” said Dr. April McQuillen.
    After Mercy Family Clinic welcomes its new physicians in August 2010, the clinic will have one or two physicians overseas at an affiliated mission hospital at any given time during the year in a rotating schedule. By practicing medicine as a group of six, Mercy is able to accommodate their mission work and hopes the community will be involved in supporting their efforts.
    “In an era of shortage of physicians who wish to practice rural, full-scope family medicine, we have been extraordinarily blessed with doctors who are both the best clinicians and finest people,” Roesler said.
    Dr. P. McQuillen, Dr. A. McQuillen, Dr. J. Epperly, Dr. S. Epperly, Dr. Moberly and Dr. Kline have all been trained in operative obstetrics, endoscopy, inpatient and emergency medicine. They also have specialized training in rural medicine. Each physician will bring vast experience in practicing medicine and community service.
    “I feel excited and blessed to have the opportunity to serve in a responsive and gracious community such as New Hampton. The leaders in this community made us feel wanted and welcomed, and we appreciate their pursuit during our decision process. I look forward to serving the people of New Hampton and am excited at the prospect of serving the underserved in developing nations. I hope the city of New Hampton will embrace our vision to impact a developing nation with medical care through short-term mission efforts,” said Dr. John Epperly.
Dr. Paul McQuillen
    Dr. Paul McQuillen attended Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., where he met his wife April and earned a bachelor of science in biology, a bachelor of arts in biology and had a Spanish minor. Dr. McQuillen then went to Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated from Via Christi Family Medicine Residency.
    Throughout Dr. P. McQuillen’s education, he has received numerous academic honors, participated in extracurricular activities and spent time volunteering. Dr. McQuillen’s personal interests include fine arts, hunting, fly-fishing and spending quality time with his wife and daughter.
Dr. April McQuillen
    Dr. April McQuillen graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., with a bachelor of science in biology. She then attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated from Via Christi Family Medicine Residency. Dr. McQuillen is active in several organizations and generously volunteers locally and abroad. Dr. McQuillen’s hobbies include running, biking, swimming, snow skiing, fly-fishing, camping and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Dr. John Epperly
    Dr. John Epperly attended Abilene Christian University in Texas, where he earned a bachelor of science in biochemistry. He graduated from the University of Arizona School of Medicine and Via Christi Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Epperly’s dedication to his career through membership in professional societies and participation in several extracurricular activities helped earn him the honor of Resident of the Year for two years. He was also named Chief Resident for 2008-2009. Dr. Epperly’s personal interests include rock climbing, mountain biking, magic, basketball, football, soccer and enjoying time as a family.
Dr. Shea Epperly
    Dr. Shea Epperly graduated from Abilene Christian University in Texas, where she earned a bachelor of science in biology with a minor in chemistry. She then attended the University of Arizona School of Medicine and graduated from Via Christi Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Epperly is committed to caring for underserved populations and has been involved in organizations promoting service learning. Dr. Epperly enjoys snow skiing, rock climbing, biking, playing classical guitar, reading the Bible and playing with her son.
Dr. Rick Moberly
    Dr. Rick Moberly grew up in Colorado and moved to Kansas to attend Wichita State University where he earned his bachelor of science in biological sciences and a minor in chemistry. Dr. Moberly then graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine where he founded the Medical Center for International Outreach. Dr. Moberly also graduated from Via Christi Family Medicine Residency with special interest in obstetrics, endoscopy and international medicine.
    Throughout Dr. Moberly’s education, he has gained valuable experience through serving on medical clinic councils, community medical boards and volunteering his time and talents. In his free time, Dr. Moberly enjoys traveling, skiing, multimedia production and golfing.
Dr. Jack Kline
    Dr. Jack Kline graduated from East Tennessee State University and earned a bachelor of science with majors in biology and chemistry and a minor in humanities. Dr. Kline then attended Meharry Medical College in Nashville and graduated from Via Christi Family Medicine Residency this summer. Dr. Kline also attends Southern Baptist Theological Seminary studying pastoral care and counseling and in December 2010, will become a Master of Divinity.
    Dr. Kline’s Christian faith has led him to not only work in the medical setting but also volunteer his time and skills to those in need. He is active in numerous medical associations and Christian Ministries and been honored with scholarships and awards for his service. Dr. Kline’s personal interests include basketball, football, soccer, racquetball, outdoor activities, car and house repair, computer work and reading.