Mercy Clinic Expands to Support Growing Patient Needs, Future Physicians

Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Chaffee Crossing has opened a brand-new expanded area designed to support both the clinic’s growing patient population and the continued development of physicians through Mercy’s family medicine residency program.

The expansion was built to meet increasing demand for primary care services in the River Valley and to create additional space for residents from the Mercy Fort Smith residency program and medical students from the Arkansas Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine to gain hands-on training. With this new space, which is now open, Mercy strengthens its commitment to delivering high-quality care for patients while shaping the next generation of physicians.

“What makes this expansion especially meaningful is the role this clinic plays beyond patient care,” said Dr. Paul Bean, chief medical officer at Mercy Fort Smith. “This clinic is also a place where future physicians are formed. By educating and training primary care doctors, this clinic helps strengthen not only today’s care delivery but the future of health care in our region.”

“Training in a setting like this one that values teamwork, compassion and community connection has been incredibly meaningful,” said Chief Resident Dr. Anam Siddiqi. “Primary care is about building trust and forming long-term relationships with patients, and this clinic provides an environment where that can truly happen. The expanded space supports both patient care and learning, allowing us to grow as physicians while remaining focused on those we serve.”

Dr. Chris Fortson, family medicine physician and program director of the residency program, added that the clinic’s expansion is an investment not just in facilities, but in people – including Mercy’s patients and caregivers, as well as the physicians who are part of the future of health care in the River Valley.

“This expansion allows us to care for even more patients in a space designed for teamwork, learning and high-quality primary care,” he said. “By creating room for additional residents and medical students, we’re not only meeting today’s growing needs, but we’re also investing in the physicians who will serve our communities for decades to come. The hands-on experience they gain here directly strengthens the future of health care in our region.”

The expanded clinic enhances patient care by supporting individuals through all stages of life — whether they’re establishing care, managing chronic conditions or focusing on preventive health. The new layout promotes efficient, collaborative workflows for care teams, improving access and enhancing the overall patient experience. Rooms were designed to be larger to better accommodate families and those with disabilities, and bathrooms include additional safety features.

The clinic offers primary care with appointments and some walk-in availability during regular hours. Patients can be seen for general primary care such as wellness visits, sports physicals, vaccines and immunizations, health screenings and exams, preventative care and more. In addition, the new space will help Mercy physicians accommodate patients who are seeking Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), which involves the use of manually guided forces by a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) to improve structural and physiologic function.

Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Chaffee Crossing is at 7003 Chad Colley Blvd., Barling. Construction was completed by Beshears Construction of Fort Smith.