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Meritus News
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Meritus had an average of 19 applicants per job opening in FY '25
November 3, 2025
High minimum wage, strong employee recognition and benefits programs a factor in people wanting to work at the health system. Meritus Health is known as a top employer in healthcare in the state of Maryland, and recent statistics show that people want to work here. Meritus, the largest private employer in Western Maryland, has more than 4,000 team members spread across Meritus Medical Center, Meritus Medical Group, Brook Lane Health System and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. In fiscal year 2025, the health system received an average of 19 applications for every one job opening, said Scott Salzetti, vice president of Team Member Services. “We are pleased to be such a prominent employer in the region,” Salzetti said. “We had more than 37,000 applications for positions in the health system including team leaders, clinical staff and other roles.” The health system, Washington County’s only integrated health system, is also in the process of raising its minimum wage to $20 per hour by 2027. So far, pay has been increased to at least $18 per hour for all employees. Meritus has also been recognized several times by Forbes as a Best-in-State Employer, and most recently was named to Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals 2025. And Meritus took honors for its Employee Recognition Program and Benefits Program in the annual Tri State’s Best Community’s Choice Awards, which are chosen by public nomination and voting. To learn more about career possibilities at Meritus Health, please visit www.meritushealth.com/careers.
Meritus receives 2026 Specialty Excellence Award from Healthgrades
October 28, 2025
Meritus Medical Center’s achievements place the organization among the top 10% nationwide for key services in surgical care. Meritus Medical Center announced today that it has achieved numerous distinctions for exceptional clinical performance from Healthgrades, the No. 1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital. Among Meritus’ new recognitions are a Specialty Excellence Award, which places the hospital among the top 10% nationwide for surgical care. Meritus is also five-star rated for four services, including hip fracture treatment, spinal fusion surgery, respiratory failure treatment, and diabetic hospitalizations. In addition to this top honor, Meritus ranked second among Maryland hospitals for surgical care. The hospital also has maintained a five-star rating for respiratory failure treatment for the past nine years and diabetic hospitalizations for the past two years. These achievements further affirm Meritus’ status as a premier destination for specialty care and underscore the organization’s longstanding commitment to excellent patient care. “These rankings, which are based on Medicare data, show just how seriously we take caring for our community at Meritus,” said Carrie Adams, chief operating officer of Meritus Medical Center. “It shows our commitment to providing high-quality specialty care, close to home, through the dedication of our team members across the hospital.” “To be ranked second in the state for surgical care and among the top 10% in the nation is a testament to the extraordinary skill, teamwork and commitment of our surgical teams,” said Brian McKinnon, M.D., chair of surgery at Meritus Health. “These results reflect the precision, innovation and patient-first mindset that guide every procedure we perform at Meritus Medical Center.” Meritus’ achievements are based solely on what matters most: patient outcomes. Each year, Healthgrades evaluates risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to identify the top hospitals in key specialty areas, including surgical care, hip fracture treatment, spinal fusion surgery, respiratory failure treatment, and diabetic hospitalizations. Through easy-to-understand, objective measures of hospital performance, Healthgrades empowers patients with the information they need to find a hospital that excels in their procedure or condition. As performance gaps persist between the nation’s highest- and lowest-achieving facilities, seeking care at a top program has never been more important. Healthgrades’ 2026 analysis revealed that if all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to five-star hospitals during the 2022-2024 study period, on average, 230,466 lives could have been saved and 156,797 complications could have been avoided.* “Healthgrades’ specialty awards identify the nation’s top-performing hospitals in key service areas, helping consumers find high quality care tailored to their specific needs,” said Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH, medical advisor at Healthgrades. “We’re proud to recognize Meritus Medical Center for its consistently superior outcomes in key service areas, including surgical care, hip fracture treatment, spinal fusion surgery, respiratory failure treatment, and diabetic hospitalizations.” Consumers can visit Healthgrades’ Specialty Excellence Patient Advocate Center to learn more about how Healthgrades identifies the top-performing hospitals for specialty care. *Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2022 through 2024 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. Click here to view the complete 2026 Specialty Awards and Ratings Methodology.
The power of early detection: Why mammograms save lives
October 27, 2025
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, but when caught early, it is also one of the most treatable. The simplest and most effective way to detect it early? A mammogram. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast used to look for early signs of cancer, often before symptoms develop. The process is quick, typically lasting about 20 minutes, and while it may be slightly uncomfortable, it’s not usually painful. A radiologist examines the X-ray images for any abnormalities, such as lumps or microcalcifications, that may indicate the presence of cancer. “A mammogram can find cancer years before you can feel a lump,” said Ann-Marie Hugh, M.D., medical director for the Meritus Center for Breast Health. “That window of early detection often makes the difference between a simple lumpectomy and more extensive surgery or even months of chemotherapy. It can truly be lifesaving.” Dr. Hugh recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer begin screening mammograms at age 40, though those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer should discuss earlier screening with their healthcare provider. Despite the benefits, some women avoid mammograms due to fear, discomfort or misconceptions. Common myths, such as the idea that radiation exposure is dangerous or that only women with symptoms need screening, can discourage people from scheduling their exams. In reality, the radiation from a mammogram is minimal, about the same as what you would receive from your natural environment over a few months. And since early breast cancers rarely cause pain or noticeable lumps, waiting for symptoms could mean detecting the disease at a more advanced stage. “I always tell my patients: The few seconds of discomfort during a mammogram are worth the peace of mind, and potentially, your life,” Dr. Hugh said. Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder not just to wear pink, but to act. Encourage your loved ones to schedule their screening mammograms, support local awareness events, and learn your personal risk factors. For many women, a mammogram offers reassurance. For others, it provides a lifesaving early diagnosis. From prevention and screening to diagnostics, treatment and recovery, Meritus Center for Breast Health offers a comprehensive approach to breast health, including treatment of breast cancer, lumps, pain and cysts as well as providing high risk assessments. To learn more about the Meritus Center for Breast Health, please visit www.meritushealth.com/BreastHealth.
MSOM scholarships funded by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield grant
October 27, 2025
The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine announced that CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) has awarded the school a $400,000 grant to support student scholarships. The Long-Term Programmatic grant will provide $100,000 annually through 2027, funding four partial scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on merit, including academic performance and MCAT scores. “Meritus Health’s goal in creating the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine is to fill the need for physicians in our region and across the state,” said Brian Kessler, D.O., dean of MSOM. “Studies show that physicians tend to set up practice within 100 miles of where they’ve trained, so these scholarships provided by CareFirst are helping us meet our goal.” “Education is a powerful tool and a significant driver of better health outcomes,” said Dr. Bryan O. Buckley, Head of Public Health at CareFirst. “By partnering with Meritus, we’re investing in the next generation of clinical professionals to meet the growing need for physicians across our region and state. Many of these students will bring their knowledge and passion back to our communities — contributing to a stronger, more responsive healthcare system.” MSOM welcomed its inaugural class of more than 90 students, the class of 2029, in July. Future classes will number 180 students, meaning there will be 720 future doctors enrolled when MSOM is at capacity. Students are instructed by experienced and well-trained professors in the D.M. Bowman Academic Hall on the Meritus Health campus near Hagerstown. In addition, students are housed in one- and two-bedroom units in the Meritus Commons housing complex, adjacent to the campus.
Microgrid power project to keep Meritus humming during outages
October 24, 2025
Solar panels, combined heat and power generation plant went into operation in October. Meritus Health recently completed a project that will allow it to keep its medical center operating if the power goes out. Plus, the multi-phased microgrid project will save an estimated $1.6M annually and avoid creating 2,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. The health system installed the microgrid that provides power from on-site renewable sources and combined heat and power generation (CHP); electric vehicle charging; and absorption chilling. The project is controlled through an intelligent microgrid controls platform. “At Meritus Health, we want to be good stewards of our community and our environment,” said Meritus Chief Strategy Officer David Lehr. “Installing this equipment allows us to continue serving the community in times of power loss, plus it reduces our carbon footprint.” The project relies in part on 1,917 solar panels installed on the roof of Meritus Medical Center and the Link building that connects the hospital to Robinwood Professional Center. The solar PV system will generate 1421,991 kWh of renewable energy annually. The redundant 2.4-MW CHP plant simultaneously generates electricity and uses the waste heat created by that generation to provide chilled water resiliency. A high-efficiency absorption chiller takes the heat from the CHP plant to create chilled water, providing cooling throughout the year. The health system received grants totaling more than $1 million from the Maryland Energy Administration to cover feasibility analysis and preconstruction work, as well as to offset capital costs. The system was installed over the past year and went into operation in October. FESCO Energy LLC (FESCO), a Maryland based design-build energy infrastructure company, partnered with Meritus and other local companies to engineer and construct all phases of the turnkey design-build project.
Meritus recognized in annual community awards
October 23, 2025
Health system took four wins, four finalist awards in Tri State’s Best Community’s Choice Awards. Meritus Health is grateful to have won four awards and been named finalists in four other categories in this year’s Tri State’s Best Community’s Choice Awards. Each year, the awards recognize more than 390 businesses and organizations through public participation. The program begins with nominations, and voting determines the finalists and winners in each category. “Our Meritus team members recognize the honor and privilege of serving our community every single day, and it’s gratifying to see our community appreciates that hard work and dedication,” said Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., president and CEO of Meritus Health. Winners were tops in their category while finalists finished in the top three. Meritus winners include: Hospital/Medical Center (Washington County): Meritus Medical Center Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Center: Meritus Cosmetic Plastic Surgery OB/GYN (Washington County): Jay Greenberg, M.D., Meritus Women’s Health Specialists Employee Recognition Program: Meritus Health Meritus finalists include: Benefits Program: Meritus Health Family Medicine: Meritus Internal Medicine Physical Therapy Clinic: Meritus Physical Therapy OB/GYN (Washington County): Bella Andele, M.D., Meritus Women’s Health Specialists “It’s also great to see that our employee recognition and employee benefits programs were recognized,” Joshi said. “Meritus strives to make this a great place to work, and winning and being named a finalist in programs designed specifically for employee satisfaction tells us that we’re on the right track.” The winners were recognized at an awards gala Oct. 22 at Fountain Head Country Club. To learn more about Meritus Health, including its services, locations and career opportunities, please visit www.meritushealth.com.
Meritus Urology brings aboard new providers
October 22, 2025
Dr. Alexander Ernest Jr., Dr. Jeffrey Johnson and Pauline Hamacher, CRNP, are seeing patients at the Hagerstown practice. Meritus Urology has added three new providers in recent weeks to better serve patients. Alexander J. Ernest Jr., M.D., Jeffrey P. Johnson, M.D., and Pauline Hamacher, CRNP, are now seeing patients at the practice in Suite 228 of Robinwood Professional Center, 11110 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown. Dr. Ernest earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, and completed his residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Additionally, Dr. Ernest completed a urology fellowship at Tripler Army Medical Center and an endourology fellowship in 2011 at UCLA specializing in the treatment of kidney stone disease, laparoscopy and robotic surgery. Dr. Ernest is board certified in urology with the American Board of Urology. Among many accomplishments, he became the chair of the Robotic Surgery Committee at Tripler, and he was the second surgeon in the state of Hawaii and first surgeon at Tripler to perform pediatric robotic surgery in 2013. He was also the first urologist in the Department of Defense (DOD) to perform single-site robotic surgery in 2015, as well as the first in the DOD to complete an intracorporal radical cystectomy in 2018. “I am excited to be a part of Meritus Urology and serve this community,” Dr. Ernest said. “I believe that my experience and skills will provide our patients with expert care, close to home, particularly when it comes to minimally invasive urologic surgery, specializing in robotic kidney and prostate surgery as well as prostate cancer care.” Dr. Johnson earned his medical degree from Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and completed his residency at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Additionally, Dr. Johnson completed an endourology fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City. He also completed an internship in general surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. “My expertise is kidney stones, but I am passionate about providing high-quality care for all urologic conditions and have publications ranging from urinary tract infections to cancer,” Dr. Johnson said. “I look forward to caring for you and your loved ones at Meritus Health.” Hamacher earned her Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner degree from Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. “I am happy to help patients at Meritus Urology,” Hamacher said. “Whether its diagnosing or treating issues involving the bladder, prostate or kidneys, my goal is to provide expert care, close to home.” To learn more about Meritus Urology, visit www.meritushealth.com/Urology, or call 301-733-0022.
Rheumatologist joins Meritus
October 21, 2025
Mary Romanic, M.D., is now seeing patients. Meritus Health is pleased to welcome Mary R. Romanic, M.D., to Meritus Rheumatology. She is now seeing patients two days a week in Robinwood Professional Center, 11110 Medical Campus Road, Suite 150, and two days a week at Meritus Health Frederick Multispecialty, 310 W. 9th St., Unit 10, in Frederick. “I am excited to be a part of Meritus Rheumatology and look forward to treating patients diagnosed with arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones,” Dr. Romanic said. “It is my goal to make quality care readily accessible to the community.” Dr. Romanic received her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina, and completed her residency at Prisma Health in South Carolina. Additionally, Dr. Romanic completed a rheumatology fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Dr. Romanic is board certified in rheumatology and in internal medicine with the American Board of Internal Medicine. Patients should contact their primary provider to request a referral to get an appointment at Meritus Rheumatology. To learn more, visit www.meritushealth.com/Rheumatology or call 301-790-9234.
Meritus keeps it local when it comes to meals
October 21, 2025
Health system sources about 30% of its ingredients from within 60 miles. For years, Chef Joe Fleischman has been trying to buy meat, fruits, vegetables and other food for Meritus Health patients, staff and guests from local producers, but he always ran into problems with scale. “We buy in bulk,” said Fleischman, director of nutrition services. “Farmers would come to us and say, ‘Can you use a dozen eggs?’ and I would say, ‘We can always use a dozen eggs, absolutely, but we need a lot more than that.’” Indeed, Fleischman estimated the health system uses about 1,200 dozen eggs in a week. “It’s always been difficult for us to source locally grown items due to the sheer volume of food we use,” he said. “Most farms are concentrating on smaller restaurants and farmers markets.” Thanks to a Meritus team member, Fleischman found a solution to his sourcing problem in a Hagerstown-based food distribution business that relies on local farmers. Family Farm Direct has allowed him to buy about 30 percent of Meritus’ fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, honey and other products from farms within 60 miles of the health system headquarters in Hagerstown. Family Farm Direct is run by Benjamin Barnett and focuses on connecting farms and processors with institutions, such as Meritus, creating a supply chain that secures local agriculture. “For small farmers, there’s usually two options to sell your product,” Barnett said. “You can sell to a corporation or you can go direct in small retail, like restaurants or farmers markets. With corporations, you take the price you get. Small retail can be impacted by a lot of factors that make it so you can’t rely on the price.” Barnett is a third-generation farmer who worked for years as an ag consultant on herd health management, nutrition and agronomy. He also has certifications as a professional animal scientist and certified crop consultant. He was motivated to start Family Farm Direct because he was concerned about the future of farming, given market and environmental pressures. By connecting local farmers with local institutions, he’s able to provide financial stability through consistent customers and reduce transportation and preservation costs, too. Fleischman said he sees Family Farm Direct’s mission matching Meritus’ community-obsessed focus. In addition to patient meals and those served at the hospital cafeteria, Robin’s Cove, locally sourced food is also used in the health system’s Food Farmacy program. Under the philosophy that food is medicine, the program has a Meritus primary care or specialist write a prescription for a patient who is managing a chronic condition for the Farmacy, which is in the Robinwood Professional Center atrium. The eight-week program provides a bag of food tailored to the patient’s medical condition, said Beth Fields Dowdell, DNP, CRNP, director of Community Health and Outpatient Care Management at Meritus Health. It also includes recipes. “We’re teaching the patient how to make a nutritious plate of food,” said Dowdell, who noted the program has had more than 1,000 pickups and 280 referrals since it started in May. Fleischman said his goal is to have all of the health system’s food sourced locally, though that might be a tall task. “But that’s how we want to expand,” he said. “We want to keep it as local as we can.”
Brian McKinnon, M.D., named chair of Meritus surgical department
October 20, 2025
Dr. McKinnon’s distinguished surgical expertise supports Meritus’ mission of improving the health of the community. Meritus Health is pleased to announce that Brian McKinnon, M.D., will be the new chair of the health system’s surgical department. Prior to joining Meritus, Dr. McKinnon held positions as distinguished professor for ear, nose, and throat surgery at the University of Texas. He was also the medical director for surgical optimization at University of Texas Medical Branch Health System. “I am proud to serve as the department chair at Meritus,” Dr. McKinnon said. “The organization’s mission of improving the health of the community really resonates with me.” Throughout his career, Dr. McKinnon taught medical students and residents to use data to better understand what impacts patient health, as well as teaching them hands-on surgical techniques they can use to care for their patients. He is also a leading expert in running an efficient surgery department to improve the quality and timeliness of care. As chair of the surgical department, Dr. McKinnon said he hopes to take advantage of the expertise provided through Meritus’ recently approved surgical residency program, as well as the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM). “In medicine, you tend to have three silos: Clinical, research and education,” he said. “It is my goal to not have those remain silos, that what we learn in treating patients helps inform our providers’ research, which leads to better education for our residency program and students at our medical school, which leads to quality care for our patients.” Dave Lehr, chief strategy officer at Meritus Health, noted Dr. McKinnon’s experience as a distinguished professor will be invaluable to the community. “Dr. McKinnon is an excellent surgeon, and his skills go even beyond that,” Lehr said. “He is also a researcher and a teacher who uses that knowledge to improve the health of a community, and that is exactly Meritus’ mission. It’s these sorts of forward-thinking people that we want caring for our patients and teaching the next generation of doctors who are training here.” Dr. McKinnon will also be part of Meritus Advanced ENT, which opened recently in Suite 250 of the Robinwood Professional Center. His focus there will be on hearing and balance health and related surgical and sub-surgical specialties. “It is my heart’s desire to improve the hearing health of the community,” he said. The Milton, Massachusetts native received his doctorate in medicine from Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts. He did a surgical internship and otolaryngology residency at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and spent five years as a U.S. Naval flight surgeon. He also once served as a staff ENT physician to the White House Medical Unit. Dr. McKinnon also has master’s degrees in business administration from Johns Hopkins University and public health from the University of Memphis. “I like to learn,” he said. “Gathering data, understanding the data, helps us to determine our clinical needs, and that can help us improve our access to care for our patients.” To learn more about Meritus Advanced ENT, please visit www.meritushealth.com/ent.
Fall brings change: Tips for managing seasonal shifts in mental health
October 13, 2025
As the crisp air rolls into Western Maryland and the leaves begin their fiery transformation, many look forward to cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches and scenic drives in the Catoctin Mountains. But for some, the arrival of fall can bring more than just colorful foliage. It can also bring unexpected emotional challenges. The transition to fall often disrupts our routines. Shorter days mean less natural sunlight, which can impact mood and energy levels. Cooler temperatures may discourage outdoor activity, while school and end-of-year work pressures can heighten stress and anxiety. For those already managing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, these changes can deepen symptoms. Even those without a diagnosed condition may find themselves feeling more sluggish, withdrawn or irritable. This seasonal shift is sometimes referred to as the “autumn blues,” and in more severe cases, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. But there’s good news: there are effective ways to manage your mental health through the fall and winter months. 1. Prioritize light exposure With less daylight, many people experience a dip in serotonin levels. Try to get outside for at least 20 minutes a day, even on cloudy days. Open your blinds in the morning and consider using a light therapy lamp if you're indoors most of the day. 2. Stay active Exercise is a powerful mood booster. Whether it’s a brisk walk along the C&O Canal or a yoga class indoors, keeping your body moving can help counteract low energy and lift your spirits. 3. Stay connected It’s easy to isolate as the weather cools, but social connection is vital for mental well-being. Make plans with friends or family, join a local community group, or schedule a regular phone call with a loved one. 4. Know when to seek help Sometimes self-care isn’t enough, and that’s OK. If you find that feelings of sadness, anxiety or fatigue are interfering with your ability to function, it’s time to reach out. You don’t have to navigate seasonal mental health challenges alone. Whether you’re struggling with stress, sadness, anxiety or simply not feeling like yourself, expert care is available today close to home. Brook Lane has several outpatient offices across the region that provide compassionate outpatient therapy and psychiatric care. For more information, visit www.brooklane.org or call 301-733-0330. If you need immediate support, Meritus Mental Health Urgent Care will see patients ages 6 and older without an appointment. Visit the Orange Entrance to the Robinwood Professional Center, 11110 Medical Campus Drive, Hagerstown. To learn more, visit www.meritushealth.com/mentalhealth or call 301-393-HELP.
Ground broken for new rec complex at Brook Lane
October 6, 2025
The project will include basketball court, sensory room. Brook Lane Health Services, an affiliate of Meritus Health, officially broke ground Monday, Oct. 6, on a new recreational complex for patients, residents and students served by the organization. The project began in September with the decommissioning of the current Administration Building, which will be razed to make way for the new facility on the main campus near Smithsburg. “This new center represents a major step forward in our commitment to holistic behavioral health care,” said Brook Lane CEO Jeff O’Neal. “Physical activity and social interaction are vital to recovery and wellness, and this facility will give our patients, residents and students the space to grow, connect and heal.” Scheduled for completion in summer 2026, the $6 million project is being funded through a $3 million grant awarded by the Maryland Hospital Association Bond Program, matched by $3 million from Meritus Health. The new complex will be attached to the inpatient hospital. It is designed to provide a safe, therapeutic space where individuals can engage in structured physical activity, fitness, socialization and recreation as part of their overall treatment and wellness. Highlights of the facility include: A full basketball court adaptable for multiple uses, including volleyball, running and climbing A sensory room to support patients with neurodevelopmental disorders The facility will be used by Brook Lane patients who have stable conditions allowing for safe recreation in the gymnasium. It will also serve as the school gymnasium for Brook Lane’s Laurel Hall School. By encouraging teamwork, building social skills, supporting cognitive and behavioral growth, and promoting better health and sleep, the facility will enrich the daily lives of those Brook Lane serves. To learn more about Brook Lane, visit www.brooklane.org.