(Greensburg, IN) – Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) is proud to announce its selection as the 2024–2025 Partnership Matters Award recipient from East Indiana Area Health Education Center (EIAHEC).
The award recognizes DCMH’s longstanding commitment to healthcare workforce development and expanding access to quality care in rural communities.
The EIAHEC program works to improve healthcare access in rural and underserved areas by developing a stronger, more community-connected healthcare workforce. It achieves this by connecting students to hands-on learning opportunities, supporting clinical training in rural settings, and fostering long-term interest in community-based care.
The honor highlights DCMH’s collaborative spirit and years of enthusiastic involvement across all levels of EIAHEC programming — from engaging high school students to mentoring clinical learners and supporting continuing education.
EIAHEC notes that DCMH has consistently demonstrated leadership in innovation and a deep commitment to putting community outcomes and learner needs first.
“DCMH is always at the table, always willing to try something new, and focused on what will best serve both the patient and the student,” said Jeff Hartz, EIAHEC Executive Director.
Hands-On Learning with Lasting Impact
This recognition builds on DCMH’s long history of creating meaningful educational experiences for students at all stages of their healthcare journey.
In partnership with several local high schools, including Greensburg Community High School, Jac-Cen-Del High School, North Decatur High School, Oldenburg Academy, and South Decatur High School, DCMH provides hands-on learning opportunities that spark student interest and build confidence.
At the same time, DCMH actively supports medical students and residents through clinical rotations and one-on-one mentorship.
In 2024 alone, DCMH hosted 229 students across various departments, including physical therapy, physician rotations, accounting, and hospital operations.
These experiences not only support student development but also reinforce DCMH’s goal of building a strong, sustainable pipeline of future healthcare professionals, many of whom may one day return to serve rural Indiana communities.
Medical students from Indiana University School of Medicine regularly rotate with DCMH’s Family Medicine and Hospitalist teams, including providers like Dr. Nicole Boersma, Dr. Noel Mungcal, Dr. Isaiah Steffen, Dr. Maher Ahmad, and Dr. Jennifer Fletcher. In addition, DCMH’s OB/GYNs, Dr. Jamie Cooper and Dr. Brian Israel, and General Surgeons enthusiastically support medical and PA students from other universities, consistently offering valuable hands-on experience and mentorship.
While not all rotations are managed directly through EIAHEC, the hospital’s welcoming environment and consistent commitment to mentorship directly support EIAHEC’s mission to grow and retain a skilled healthcare workforce in underserved areas.
“Working with students is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. It’s a chance to invest in the future of medicine while giving students a real look at what it means to care for a rural community. They bring fresh perspectives, and in return, we hope to inspire a deeper commitment to compassionate, community-focused care,” said Dr. Nicole Boersma, DCMH Family Medicine Physician.
These rotations give students hands-on experience in a rural setting, allowing them to build clinical skills while forming meaningful connections with patients and care teams.
“We’re honored to be recognized by EIAHEC,” said Anne Swinney, DCMH Staff Development Coordinator. “Our team sees every student interaction as an investment in the future of healthcare. We believe that by opening our doors, sharing our knowledge, and nurturing these relationships, we’re not only helping students grow — but also strengthening the long-term health of our community.”
For more information about student and shadowing requests, please contact the DCMH Staff Development Coordinator at annie.swinney@dcmh.net.
(Decatur County Memorial Hospital press release)
