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Springfield
Children’s Mercy has named Dr. John Burson medical director for the Children’s Mercy with Mercy partnership—further strengthening its commitment to bringing specialized pediatric expertise closer to families in Springfield and communities across southwest Missouri.
“Dr. Burson has served the Springfield region for more than 25 years as a pediatrician at Mercy,” said Debbie Schwartzkopf, interim chief administrative officer of Children’s Mercy with Mercy. “His decades of work with patients and families, community health organizations and Mercy colleagues have shaped his perspective on the needs and strengths facing pediatric health care in the region. I am excited to welcome him to our team.”
As he steps into this new leadership role as medical director for Children’s Mercy with Mercy, Dr. Burson will continue to care for his current patients at Mercy.
“I have been a member of the Springfield medical community with Mercy since I completed my training,” said Dr. Burson. “I am first and foremost a general pediatrician, and I look forward to bringing that perspective as I work closely with leaders from both Children’s Mercy and Mercy Springfield to continue advancing a pediatric system designed around the needs of children and families.”
For more than a decade, Dr. Burson has helped guide the growth of women and children’s services at Mercy, and his leadership has contributed to the development of numerous pediatric programs.
Dr. Burson also brings extensive statewide and academic experience. He has served on the March of Dimes Board of Directors at regional and state levels, supported the Missouri Immunization Coalition and taught future pediatric providers through faculty and preceptor roles with Missouri State University, the University of Missouri School of Medicine and multiple medical and advanced practice training programs.
The Children’s Mercy with Mercy joint venture was officially launched on Nov. 1, 2025.
In mid-November, Children’s Mercy announced plans to build a new, dedicated pediatric outpatient facility in Springfield on the Mercy South campus. Construction is now underway, with an anticipated opening date in December 2026.
