Dr. Michael Mercy of Boise, Idaho has a life-time love of learning and reading. He is a graduate of Boise’s Model Cities Head Start program in 1970.

The Medical Director and Chairman of the Emergency Services Department at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center from 1997-2005, Dr. Mercy was awarded this prestigious position at the age of 31. He also had “the great honor” of being the Chief Resident at Johns Hopkins, after attending medical school there. He previously graduated with degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Reed College, Portland, Oregon, known for its rigorous academics. Dr. Mercy says modestly that his grade-point average wasn’t that high (approximately a 3.7 in high school and 3.4 in college), but that he always found school fun and interesting; he loved his classes and “had a great time.” Dr. Mercy is currently the Secretary/Treasurer of the medical staff at St. Alphonsus, and is also on the Board of Albertson College of Idaho and the Ada County Medical Society. He is now on staff at three hospitals.

Michael says he is sure that having someone focusing on him, along with the socializing and learning involved in his Head Start program, had “life-long ramifications.” He remembers “great staff,” “interesting activities,” “looking forward to going every day,” and “super fun” running around Camel’s Back Park on field trips. He attributes his success to the focus his family put on education. He and his twin sister, Leanne, share a 40^th birthday this year with Head Start.