Mercy Sports Medicine - Springfield

"Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape," said Lee Casey, Mercy chaplain and manager of the Spiritual Care Department in Fort Smith, Arksansas, who happens to be blind. Having served in health care for 31 years, Lee has helped thousands of patients with their spiritual care in some of the hardest moments of their lives.

He said he appreciates when people offer assistance to him, because it empowers him to say "yes please" or "no thank you," and he is always grateful for the people in his life who support him.

"My total foundation," he said, "is a trust in the guidance and direction of God in my life. I am a committed believer, and I have to — everyday — trust in the goodness of God to work in and through other people."

He also said that he likes to focus on what he can do, rather than what he can't do. "I'm not a blind person; I am a person who happens to be blind. When I say that I am a person who happens to be blind, I am acknowledging my humanity, and blindness just happens to be a part of who I am — but it's not the main focus. In contrast, saying I'm a blind person focuses on the disability I deal with. Though I don't deny my blindness, it's just part of who I am. It's important to get to know people for who they are, regardless of what challenges they may face."

On , we honor the many contributions of individuals with disabilities throughout history, and look for new ways to make their daily experience more equitable and enjoyable.

We're making care more convenient by opening three new primary care locations in former Walmart Health centers across Arkansas. These clinics will offer routine primary care services, with appointments and walk-in availability in Springdale, Rogers and Fort Smith!

Mercy to Open Three New Primary Care Facilities in Arkansas Mercy will continue expanding its Arkansas footprint to make care more convenient and reach additional consumers where they already are with three new Mercy Primary Care locations in former Walmart Health centers inside Walmart Supercenters.

No one likes to wait — especially if you're sick on vacation. But even on the open road, you can be on the road to recovery. We've been working hard to eliminate the wait to get the care you need. Visit https://ow.ly/r6Ym50SKpf4 to get started.

After trying diets over the years (with some success and more failure), Corie Patton finally decided to try weight loss surgery. Once she began losing weight, she enjoyed an active lifestyle of hiking with family, kayaking and even visiting Six Flags without worrying about fitting in the seats.

She lost so much weight that she started to notice some skin irritations that can come along with such a dramatic weight loss. Not long after, she underwent skin removal surgery, where she had five to six pounds of skin removed. She said the skin removal surgery can have its challenges but can provide a sense of accomplishment in the weight loss journey, because it is amazing to see the significant transformation in her health and appearance.

Find out if weight loss surgery is right for you by downloading our free guide today: https://ow.ly/K3hk50SIEWy

Postpartum care is not just for newborns — it's for new moms, too. Get more self-care ideas in our free newborn care guide: https://ow.ly/bIpO50SIFkg

We commend our courageous co-workers and law enforcement for keeping everyone safe today at Mercy Hospital Fort Smith. We pray for their continued strength after such a challenging day.

UPDATE: Mercy.net and MyMercy.net are back up and running. We appreciate your patience!

HEADS UP: Mercy.net and MyMercy.net are currently down, but you can still reach your physician and departments by phone. This outage is not related to the global IT issue. We’re monitoring the situation and will keep you updated. We hope to have issues resolved soon. Feel free to send us a direct message for assistance. Thank you for your patience as our developers work to restore the site!

Tianna Legere took advantage of the convenience of Mercy's Mobile Mammography Bus to schedule her mammogram. That simple decision led to an early diagnosis of breast cancer. Thanks to Mercy's swift treatment, Tianna is now cancer-free!

By donating to the Mercy Health Foundation, you ensure that patients like Tianna receive the lifesaving care they need, exactly when and where they need it. Your support makes a difference. Donate at https://ow.ly/nwVu50SErgW.

We ❤️ Bill!

Stepping through Mercy’s doors is a unique experience. We know it, patients know it and now so does the world! The Mercy Center for Performance Medicine and Specialty Care was selected from 166 submissions to be showcased at the European Healthcare Design 2024 Congress. This innovative design emphasizes lifelong patient relationships and cutting-edge technology. Read more: https://ow.ly/M6Qj50SBUQc

Please bear with us. Mercy.net and the MyMercy.net patient portal are currently down. You can still reach your physician and our various departments by phone. Feel free to send us a private, direct message for assistance. We appreciate your patience while our developers work to get our site back up and running!

UPDATE: We're back up and running! Thank you for your patience while our developers worked to restore Mercy.net and the MyMercy.net patient portal. You can now access all services as usual. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please private message us. We're here to help!

Class of 1978! If you remember when the Blues Brothers came out — and you listened to them on an 8-track — it's time to think about Medicare. Download our free guide now: https://ow.ly/HYjx50SAMlu

Dr. Fareed Kannout couldn't help but smile when his patient gifted him a handmade quilt during her recent check-up! Our patients truly make our days brighter and warmer, one stitch at a time! Mercy patients are simply amazing!

When is the right time for a new knee? Find out in our free knee replacement surgery guide: https://ow.ly/Fn3Y50SyNFx

Happy 80th birthday to our very own Sister Carolyn Stoutz! Sister Carolyn has dedicated 20+ years of service spreading joy in the Ardmore community, and co-workers at Mercy Hospital Ardmore were thrilled to celebrate her today with a book of well wishes and signatures as well as a comfy new recliner for her home.

Sister Carolyn also recently hit a big milestone with 60 years of service as a Sister of Mercy. Read more about her story here: https://ow.ly/UVus50Syhge.

For the first time, the FDA has authorized an AI tool to detect and predict sepsis, and tens of thousands of Mercy patients helped make it happen. Only 10 clinical research sites nationwide provided secure data to develop this groundbreaking technology, which precisely targets such a difficult-to-diagnose medical condition.

Read more about Prenosis' Sepsis ImmunoScore: ow.ly/2YrQ50SxshE.

Mercy Data Supports FDA Authorization of AI Tool to Detect Life-Threatening Sepsis | Mercy The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized a new tool called Sepsis ImmunoScore™, created by Prenosis, Inc. This tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect sepsis, a serious and hard-to-diagnose response to infection. Mercy was one of 10 study sites nationwide that helped test th...

Exciting news in cancer detection! Mercy’s Dr. Gautum Agarwal co-authored an article in JAMA Oncology about our groundbreaking multi-cancer early detection blood tests. These tests have the potential to expand cancer screenings to underserved communities, saving more lives.

Multi-Cancer Early Detection Blood Test Increases Cancer Screening Equity Dr. Agarwal co-authored an opinion article published in the June 28 issue of the Journal of American Medical Association Oncology titled,...

Abby Duke brings more than medical assistant skills to Mercy in Columbia, Illinois—she brings joy! The 20-year-old's inspirational notes scattered throughout the clinic are a bright spot for everyone.

As summer begins, let's embrace the season of possibilities! Clinical research drives progress in health care, paving the way for better and more treatment options. Consider joining a research study.

Learn More: https://ow.ly/Rcze50SrhkT

Happy Fourth of July!

As we come to the end of another school year, it is important to recognize all of our athletic trainers who serve the student athletes who have entrusted Mercy with their care!

“I am out here for you” is a line from a movie in the '90s (bonus points if you can name the movie). This single line encapsulates the mindset of our athletic trainers when they step into the high school setting. They are there for the athletes.

All the early morning practices – They are there.
All the late nights riding back on the bus after a game – They are there.
In the rain and snow – They are there.
During the highs of the victories – They are there.

Our athletic trainers are the constant companions of athletes, always on standby during games, ready to spring into action if needed, yet always hoping to simply enjoy the game as spectators.

To all of our athletic trainers, we see you, we appreciate you and we thank you.

Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO Nixa Public Schools Springfield Catholic Schools; Springfield Mo Missouri Athletic Trainers' Association Mid-America Athletic Trainers' Association (MAATA) National Athletic Trainers' Association Link Year

It's been two years since Mercy Sports Medicine - Springfield opened our WestEdge clinic. Technically, we're not on the campus of Missouri State University, but this is about as close as you can get.

April 27, 2022, was an exciting day for our team. This location provides easy access for our Missouri State patients, our Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO student-athletes, as well as our Evangel University athletes and all the patients who come see us from the north side of town.

As we look back and celebrate two years at our WestEdge clinic, we want to say thank you to our patients who trust us with their care, thank yout our physicians and care givers, and thank you to Boomer Bear and Louie the Redbird for joining us at the ribbon cutting.

This past year we started a unique partnership with Mercy Life Line Air Medical Service. They needed a custom-designed test to assess their staff's physical readiness to meet their National Accreditation standard. Who did they call? Us!

We met with them, researched their team's needs and went to the drawing board to create what is probably one of the more challenging physical readiness tests in their industry. Their leadership wanted the emphasis of this new program to be on the health and wellness of their coworkers, and they wanted it to exceed national standards in the testing process.

When the accreditation team showed up to assess our work, this project was listed as a strength of their department. 🙌

The willingness of their leadership team and co-workers to trust us and the process turned what was a weakness into a program that distinguishes them from everyone else.

Amazing job to everyone involved in this effort.

As we conclude Athletic Training Month, it's fitting to shine a spotlight on our dedicated team of outreach athletic trainers. In the early '90s, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO emerged as a leader in the state by recognizing the value of athletic trainers embedded within schools to support their athletes. Nixa Public Schools, Springfield Catholic Schools; Springfield Mo and Link Academy (Link Year) have all experienced firsthand the benefits of having a fully integrated team of sports medicine providers dedicated to the health and safety of each student-athlete.

What sets Mercy Sports Medicine apart goes beyond the black-and-white contractual obligations. It's the seamless collaboration among our sports medicine professionals, from athletic trainers to physicians and everyone in between. The true essence of our "legacy of excellence" can only be grasped by experiencing the expedited, compassionate, and expert care we provide in moments of adversity.

When it comes to high school sports coverage, MSHSAA historically has turned to us for local championships. For prestigious community events like the Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions or the Bass Pro Fitness Festival, our team remains unrivaled in its expertise and readiness to continue leading the way in sports medicine.



MSHSAA-Missouri State High School Activities Association

Meet Daniel McGuire, the latest addition to the Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO athletic training team and a proud Mercy member since summer 2023. A recent graduate from Missouri State University with his master's degree, Danny dedicates his time and expertise to Glendale High School High School athletes. Unlike most health care professionals, athletic trainers like Danny are on the front lines, ready at the game's sidelines. They're uniquely positioned to provide immediate care in the moment of need, often under the watchful eyes of hundreds or even thousands. Remember, when you spot an AT poised on the sidelines, they're not just waiting—they're prepared to spring into action and deliver critical, instant care.



Glendale Falcon Baseball

Mercy Sports Medicine’s blend of rehab and performance programs really sets us apart. Launched in 2008, our long-term rehab program exceeds the standard care of 20 visits post-surgery, avoiding the traditional rush through recovery in 6-10 weeks. This approach ensures our athletes receive continuous, supportive care throughout the full 20-28 weeks necessary for a complete and safe return to their sport, without leaving them to fend for themselves during the crucial recovery stages.

Unwilling to accept this care gap, Mercy introduced a proprietary program ensuring every patient remains in care for the full 20-28 weeks needed for a complete return to play, without adding financial strain. Far from opting for a simple 'bridge' solution, we've seamlessly woven rehab and performance into one indistinguishable service, a distinction that has stood strong for over 15 years.

Mikel and Joe currently lead this unique program!

Joe’s specialty is on the true performance side. Though not an athletic trainer (AT), his role is crucial; his background as a college baseball player offers a deep connection with our athletes, enhancing our program significantly. Joining the Mercy family in 2018, after starting at the Health and Wellness Connection in 2016, Joe's journey reflects his invaluable contribution to our athletes' success.

Mikel, hailing from Nixa, dedicates his talents to rehab-focused care within our program. His journey with Mercy began during his tenure in the Missouri State University Sports Medicine & Athletic Training Program, evolving from a graduate assistant to a full-time role in 2016 upon completing his MSAT degree. Now, as a clinical lead, Mikel's deep involvement in patient care showcases his commitment and expertise in guiding athletes through their recovery journey.



Missouri Athletic Trainers' Association

In 2020, Mercy and Evangel University teamed up to deliver top-tier care to Evangel's athletes, setting a unique precedent where all athletic trainers (ATs) are Mercy employees, not university staff. This pioneering model, the first of its kind in the Midwest, mirrors trends seen on the coasts and is gaining momentum in collegiate sports. Mercy Sports Medicine leads the charge, offering unparalleled on-site care, rehab and integration with Mercy facilities for the Valor athletes. This collaboration not only enhances athlete care, but also establishes a new standard in the collegiate athletic domain!

From left to right:

• Caitlin completed her undergrad degree at the University of Evansville. Prior to serving Evangel athletes, she was on our clinical rehab team at our HealthTracks facility, beginning in 2019. Before that, she was a graduate assistant as Southwest Baptist University while working on her MSU MSAT degree.

• In 2023, Cierra became a full-time member of the Mercy Sports Medicine team. A graduate of Emporia State University, Cierra initially moved to Springfield to pursue her MSAT degree at Missouri State University. During that time, she also contributed as a graduate assistant with Mercy.

• Maleah literally just joined our Valor team! Before moving to Springfield, she attended Oregon Tech and later completed her MSAT at Sterling College in 2023. She’s only a few weeks in, but already jiving with the team.

• Tony joined the Mercy team in 2022 and has been overseeing the care of the Valor football team. Before coming on board to serve Evangel, Tony was with Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar.

Separate photo:

• Adam gets a pic of his own because he is currently on the road with the Valor basketball team at the NAIA National Tournament. He’s been serving Valor athletes with Mercy since 2023.



Evangel University Athletics
Play NAIA

Go, Maroon Team! As our newest clinical team of athletic trainers (ATs), this close-knit group operates Mercy’s satellite location near downtown Springfield. Together, they are fueled by relationships, trust and culture, reminding us that our roots > sports! This comradery creates more accountability and, ultimately, a better rehab experience for patients.

From left to right:

• Allan has been a cornerstone of Mercy Sports Medicine since it was St. John’s Midwest Sports Medicine Center. In fact, many of us even had Allan as an instructor in the MSU SMAT program! He’s formally been seeing patients at Mercy since 2018, bringing a wealth of experience to the WestEdge clinic since we opened our doors in 2023.

• Courtney is a recent addition to our team, working out of both Mercy Sports Medicine facilities. She just moved to Springfield from Texas in January, bringing 20+ years of athletic training experience to our team.

• Ayron transitioned to our staff in 2021 after completing her MSAT degree while working as a graduate assistant at Drury University. In addition to patient care responsibilities, she oversees our phase 2 rehab program at our WestEdge facility.

• Candice is seven years into her sports medicine career. Before joining Mercy’s department, she was a graduate assistant at Missouri State University while completing her MSAT degree. Candice joined the Mercy Sports Medicine leadership team in a clinical lead role in 2020 and has been instrumental in the advancement of our department.

• Houston finished his physical therapy degree from Missouri State University in 2018, and we immediately hired him! He began his athletic training career as a student in the MSU SMAT program and brings that advanced mindset to our maroon team.

Shout-out to Bert and Nate!

Bert (left) has been a cornerstone of care for the athletes of Kickapoo High School, our largest school, since 2006. That’s when he returned to Springfield from Wisconsin, becoming a “jack of all trades” through the years. Side note: see if you can find him in our recent MSU SMAT photos!

More recently, the Kickapoo athletic department’s rapid growth allowed Mercy Sports Medicine and Springfield Public Schools to bring on Nate (right) to the team. He joined our team earlier this month to serve ALL Kickapoo athletes. Nate is quickly Stafford’s maroon and white to the Chiefs’ brown and gold.

This team brings a nice mix of vast clinical experience with the excitement of youth to all of the Kickapoo courts, fields and mats.



Kickapoo Basketball
Kickapoo Chiefs Wrestling
Kickapoo Lady Chiefs Basketball
Kickapoo Soccer
Kickapoo Chiefs Football
Kickapoo Chiefs Cross Country
Kickapoo Baseball
Kickapoo Swimming
Official KHS Lady Chief Softball
Kickapoo Golf
Kickapoo Lady Chiefs Golf

Today we’re multitasking, with the spotlight on our community partners AND our athletic trainers who are embedded with them.

Link Academy really stormed onto the national basketball scene. The Link Year Lions have established themselves as a powerhouse in the basketball world with a 2023 Bass Pro Shops Pro Tournament of Champions championship, a GEICO National Basketball Championship champion finish in 2023, a GEICO National Basketball Championship runner-up finish in 2022, and several current alums at the NCAA Division I level.

In the summer of 2022, Zach started his tenure with Mercy Sports Medicine and has served Link Academy since. Before that, he was one of our graduate assistants and learned from the staff at Evangel University.

Both Zach and Link are preparing for another run to a national championship this year, with their first-round game against Prolific Prep (CA) on April 4. You can follow along on ESPNU Sports. Good luck!