Mercy Catholic Medical Center
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby, Pennsylvania
Mercy Philadelphia Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Welcome
About the Institution
Office of Medical Education
Pathway and Clerkship Associate Directors and Course Directors
Parking
Housing
Initial Orientation Session
Signout
Identification Badge
Emergency and Non-Emergency Health Care Insurance
Facilities
Computer Access
Local Travel/Transportation
Recreation/Health Club Facilities
Local Public Services
Maps

See also: Policies Common to All Clinical Sites

Mercy Catholic Medical Center's Web Site

Students rotating at Mercy Catholic Medical Center must be knowledgeable of, and abide by, the Ethical and Religious Directives as outlined in the following:
http://www.usccb.org/bishops/directives.htm

Return to top of page


 
Welcome

Mercy Catholic Medical Center of the Mercy Health System has a long commitment to graduate and undergraduate medical education.  Our well-established teaching programs assure that your educational experience here will advance your knowledge and your professionalism.  We foster a caring atmosphere for students and patients alike.  We will provide you feedback on your performance and are equally responsive to the feedback you provide about our teaching programs.

We look forward to participating in your clinical education and sharing the experience of your professional growth.

Looking forward to meeting and working with you.

Arnold R. Eiser, M.D., FACP
Vice President, Medical Education
Director, Internal Medicine Residency
Mercy Catholic Medical Center

Return to top of page



About the Institution

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy over eighty years ago, the Mercy Catholic Medical Center has a strong commitment to help the poor, the sick and undereducated. The medical hospital staff share in this commitment to compassion, excellence, dedication and service to the community.  Mercy Catholic Medical Center is comprised of two community hospitals totalling 680 beds and 25,000 inpatient admissions.  Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital (MFH) is located in the near suburb of Darby and Mercy Philadelphia Hospital (formerly Misericordia Hospital) is located in the heart of West Philadelphia.  MFH has the only open heart surgery program in the Mercy Health System and a very busy cardiac catheterization laboratory.  MPH has a psychiatric crisis intervention center, a very busy ER, and innovative geriatric unit.  Both hospitals have the state of the art PACS filmless imaging system.

Electives are available in Medical and Surgical subspecialties, as well as Radiology. Interested students should contact Dr. Joseph (610) 237-5060.



Office of Medical Education

Arnold R. Eiser, M.D., FACP
Vice President, Medical Education
Director, Internal Medicine Residency
610-237-4682

Bonnie Pennington, Administrative Coordinator, 610-237-4682

Return to top of page



Pathway, Clerkship and Course Directors

Diagnostic Radiology: Betsy A. Izes, M.D. (610) 237-4355 
Emergency Medicine: James R. Roberts, M.D. (215) 748-9740
Medicine: Joanne Connaughton, M.D. (610) 237-4553 or 4653
OB/GYN: Sherman Everlof, M.D. (610) 237-4975
Psychiatry (MFH): Jeffrey J. Dekret, M.D. (610) 237-4123
Psychiatry (MHOP): Tahir Maqsood, M.D. (610) 748-9188
Surgery: Chris D. Tzarnas, M.D. (610) 237-4960


Return to top of page
 
Parking

Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital
Student parking is available, free of charge, in the Employee Parking Lot located across the street from Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital. Students will be issued parking placards which must be displayed.

Mercy Philadelphia Hospital
Student parking is available, free of charge, in the parking garage at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital. A parking card must be obtained from administrative office.

Return to top of page



Housing

Not applicable at this site.

Return to top of page



Initial Orientation Session

On first day of your clerkship, all students are to report to Dr. Joseph, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, in Room D on the lobby level of the Medical Science Building at 8:00 AM for a general orientation session. A more detailed orientation for each specific clerkship will follow.

Fourth Year:  Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital @ 8 AM - Rm D, Lobby Level, Med Sciences Bldg/"Block B" Dr. Joseph's office, MezzanineLevel

ALL STUDENTS: Special access cards are available for Emergency Room and Library (after hours). This is helpful when on Internal Medicine rotations. A refundable $5.00 deposit is required.

Return to top of page



Sign Out

Specific instructions regarding signout requirements will be given by Department Chairman's office.

Return to top of page



Identification Badge

Your DUCOM issued ID badge should be displayed at ALL times while on MCMC property.

Return to top of page



Security

The Security Offices operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Mercy Fitzgerald Security Office, extension 7-4444, is located on the Lobby floor of the Medical Science Building. The Mercy Philadelphia Hospital Security Office, extension 9130, is located on the ground floor.

In the case of an emergency during off-hours, students are asked to call the operator (extension 7-4000 at Mercy Fitzgerald and extension 9000 at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital) who will connect you with the Security Supervisor.

Escort Services
A security officer is available for escort service to and from the parking lot. Call the Security Office at the appropriate location to arrange for this.

Lost and Found
The Business Office, located on the first floor of the main hospital building, is the clearing center for all lost or found items at Mercy Fitzgerald. Inquiries may be made by calling extension 7-4772. Inquiries regarding lost or found items at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital may be directed to the Patient Relations Office located on the first floor, extension 9168.

Fire
All students should become familiar with the MCMC fire policy, fire alarm signals and emergency telephone number (2222), location of fire alarm boxes and extinguishers and proper use of extinguishers. This information is presented on a regular basis by the Medical Center. For information regarding the Fire Safety class schedule at Mercy Fitzgerald contact the Security Office at extension 7-4444, at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital contact the Security Office at extension 9130.

Return to top of page



Beepers/Pagers

Students are referred to the Department rotation office regarding specific beeper policy. Beepers will be given to students as part of orientation.

Paging Instructions:
To page someone from within the hospital, please follow these instructions:
pick up handset and dial 61;
wait for voice prompt, then follow instructions to enter ID number to page (4 digit number);
enter your call back extension (4 digit number),
then press #,
an acknowledgment will be given whether or not the ID number is available for page

To dial direct within the hospital, dial "7" before entering the 4 digit number.

To page someone from outside the hospital, please contact the hospital operator at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital (610) 237-4000 or Mercy Philadelphia Hospital (215) 748-9000.

Return to top of page



Emergency and Non-Emergency Health Care and Insurance

Due to the close proximity to DUCOM, it is highly recommended that non-emergency healthcare be provided through your personal physician.

Emergency healthcare is available to any student who becomes ill or has an accident while assigned to the Mercy Catholic Medical Center campus. Students will be seen in the Emergency Department. Insurance information will be requested. The student is responsible for paying any charges which are not covered by their insurance.

Return to top of page



Facilities

Cafeteria
The Mercy Fitzgerald cafeteria is located on the first floor of the main hospital building. The operating schedule is as follows:
Breakfast: 7:00 to 10:30 AM
Lunch: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Dinner: 4:30 to 6:30 PM

The Mercy Philadelphia Hospital cafeteria is location on the first floor. Cafeteria hours are as follows:
Breakfast: 6:45 AM to 10:00 AM
Lunch: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Dinner: 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM


Medical Library
The Mercy Fitzgerald Library is located on the Lobby Floor of the Medical Science Building. The telephone number is (610) 237-4150.

Hours of service, including any variations in library hours, are posted on the door: Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
At the scheduled closing time, all must vacate the library, and any personal belongings (coats, briefcases, etc.) left behind will be placed outside the library door.
After-hours Access
Policy: Access to the library is permitted when research relating to patient care is needed or audiovisual equipment which has been scheduled in advance needs to be picked up or returned.

Procedure: Page the security guard at 2105 to open the library door. Sign the log located on the counter right inside the door with your name, time and reason for entry. You may either sign out any material needed or remain in the library to do your work. When finished, page the guard to let him know you are leaving and close the door behind you. You need not wait for the guard to return. The photocopier cannot be operated when the library is not staffed, but you may sign the material out and copy it elsewhere.

The Mercy Philadelphia Hospital Library is located on the second floor in Room 234. The telephone number is (215) 748-9415.

Hours of service are: Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
After-hours Access
Students may gain access to the Mercy Philadelphia Hospital Library after hours by obtaining the key from the Security Guard stationed at the front desk in the hospital lobby.

The following information is applicable to both Mercy Fitzgerald and Mercy Philadelphia Hospital libraries.

Borrowing Privileges
Unbound issues of journals, except the most current issue, may be borrowed overnight.
Books in the general collection may be signed out for two weeks. One renewal period is permitted.
Reference books are bound journals do not circulate; however, special arrangements can be made with the library staff on duty at the time.
Most audiovisual programs circulate for one week.

Computer Search Services
There are 5 CD-ROM workstations in the library which may be used to search MEDLINE, CANCERLIT or CINAHL (Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health). Literature searches are also done by the librarian without charge. Medical students also can access DUCOM web-based databases. Computers may only be utilized for information pertinent to your service needs.

Photocopy Services
There is a photocopier available for use. There is no charge when copying library materials for hospital use. Copyright guidelines should be followed. For other copies made there is a $ .05 per page charge payable to the library staff. The number of pages copied and one's name or department should always be noted on the log. This is for statistical purposes only. It is expected that no one person will monopolize the machine when others need to use it. Overhead transparencies may be produced on the library's photocopier.

Interlibrary Loan Services
Articles from journals or books not at the MFH/MHOP library may be requested and every effort will be made to obtain the information. Turnaround time for articles averages four days (not including weekends). The library staff reserves the right to limit the number of loans per person according to staffing time and budget constraints. Fax service is reserved for patient care emergencies only.

Audiovisual Services
Equipment (VCRs, slide projectors, tape recorders, etc.) may be used in the library or in classrooms or conference areas. In all cases the use of the equipment must be scheduled in advance and picked up and returned promptly.

There is a collection of videocassettes, audiocassettes and slides available for use, as well as catalogs and listings of programs available from other sources.

Computer Access
E-Mail Access
E-mail access is currently available.

Mail
All mail should be addressed as follows:
[Your Name]
MEDICAL STUDENT
c/o Mercy Catholic Medical Center
[Appropriate Department]
1500 Lansdowne Avenue
Darby, PA 19023

Mail is forwarded to the individual Department Chairman's office.
If mail is delivered to MCMC after you leave, it will be forwarded to the address supplied by your Dean's Office.

Lockers
Mercy Fitzgerald:  Student lockers are located on the 9th floor, Main Building at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital. You must provide your own locks.

Mercy Hospital of Philadephia: Student lockers are located on the 7th floor.  You must provide your own locks.

Return to top of page



Local Travel/Transportation

Auto travel from various locations will be discussed at orientation.

Public transportation is readily available to/from Mercy Catholic Medical Center. For further information regarding rail, trolley and bus services please call SEPTA Information at (215) 580-7800.

Return to top of page



Recreation/Health Club/Exercise Facilities

None available at this site.

Return to top of page



Policies

Smoking Policy
Mercy Catholic Medical Center is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is not permitted within hospital buildings.

Alcohol Policy
Except in those instances where alcohol is served at MCMC functions, alcohol is strictly prohibited on the MCMC campus.

Policy on Official Vacations and Holidays
Refer to DUCOM policy/guidelines

Dress Code and Scrub Attire Policy
Dress Code:
A short white jacket with your nametag appropriately attached over shirt and tie and trousers (men), and dress or slack outfit (women).

Scrub Attire:
Scrub attire is worn in designated areas for infection control and may not be taken from the premises unless the individual is in possession of an authorized property removal slip. Security officers are instructed to stop all individuals entering or leaving the hospital wearing or in possession of scrub attire. Names of students stopped for this infraction are reported to the Dean's Office. Scrubs are to be deposited in the hamper bags located in the locker rooms. Jackets or gowns are to be worn over scrub suits when outside the service area.

Return to top of page



Local Public Services

Banking and Check Cashing

Cash
MAC machine at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital is located on the Lobby Floor of the Pavilion (next to elevators).

MAC machine at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital is located at the 54th Street entrance, next to the Emergency Room.

Check Cashing Services
No checks will be cashed by the Institution under any circumstances.

Credit Union located on ground floor of Medical Office Building (connected to Main Hospital Bldg. by enclosed walkway)  Checks will be cashed by the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Office for Credit Union members ONLY. The Credit Union Office at Fitzgerald Mercy is located on the ground floor of the Medical Science Building, and can be reached at extension 7-4500. The Credit Union Office at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital is located on the 7th Floor and can be reached at extension 9500.

Places of Worship
The Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital Chapel is located on the Fifth Floor of the Main Building. Mass is celebrated daily as follows:
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM and 12:00 Noon
Saturday 8:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 7:30 PM
Sunday 7:45 AM

The Mercy Philadelphia Hospital Chapel is located on the first floor, down the hall from the Gift Shop. Mass is celebrated daily as follows:
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM
Saturday 6:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM

Further information concerning local churches and other places of worship will be provided upon request from Department Chairman's/Director's office.

Return to top of page


The provisions of The Student Handbook of Drexel University College of Medicine are not to be regarded as a contract between any student and the College of Medicine. The College of Medicine may, at any time, change any provisions, curriculum requirements, teaching facilities, affiliated teaching sites and/or their amenities, bylaws, rules, regulations and policies as may be necessary in the interest of the University, College of Medicine, and its students.
Return to top of page


Revised 09/18/08 -- Specific questions or comments about the content of this page may be directed to the Division of Clinical Education