Jerome F. Beekman, M.D., F.A.C.C. received his Bachelor of Science and Masters Degrees from The Ohio State University in Chemical Engineering. After earning his Doctor of Medicine Degree from OSU, Dr. Beekman completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Cardiology at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. In addition to being board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, Dr. Beekman is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiologists. Dr. Beekman has practiced Cardiology at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates since July of 1979.

Bruce A. Bouts, R.Ph., M.D., F.A.C.P. received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from Ohio Northern University and his Doctor of Medicine Degree from the Medical College of Ohio. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus and a fellowship in Echocardiography at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. Dr. Bouts is a Registered Pharmacist in the state of Ohio, board certified in Internal Medicine, and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He has practiced Internal Medicine at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates since July of 1989. Dr. Bouts' special interests include drugs and natural drug products, health fraud, echocardiography, and electronic medical information systems.

Michael L. Cairns, M.D. earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Zoology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He continued his education at Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, graduating Valedictorian of his class. After receiving his Doctor of Medicine, Dr. Cairns completed an internship in Pediatrics and a residency in Dermatology at Wright State University College of Medicine. Dr. Cairns is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the Society of Pediatric Dermatology. He began his practice at the Arnett Clinic in Lafayette, Indiana where he practiced for six years before beginning his practice at BVMA in June 2005.

Belinda D. Ernst, PA-C received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Social Services from Bowling Green State University in 1996 and a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Findlay in 2002. Before joining the BVMA team, Belinda worked as a social worker for Children’s Services in Hancock and Shelby counties. She began at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in November 2002 working under the supervision of Dr. Rick Watson, providing care to Pulmonary Disease patients. Belinda offers a great service to our patients through her specialization in smoking cessation counseling. Another accomplishment of Belinda’s is the completion of her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2008 from the University of Nebraska - while she continued to work in her position at BVMA. Belinda is a member of the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants (OAPA) and the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

Mark R. Fox, M.D. earned his Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degrees in Organic Chemistry and his Doctor of Medicine Degree from Michigan State University. He completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Dr. Fox has practiced Internal Medicine at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates since January of 1997.

Gregory P. Gerschutz, M.D. received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry from Ohio Northern University and his Doctor of Medicine from The Ohio State University. After completing an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, Dr. Gerschutz continued his medical education with a fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Gerschutz began his Cardiology practice with Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in July of 2002.

James A. Gideon, M.D. has achieved several educational milestones including a Bachelor and Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, a Ph.D. in Environmental Health from the University of Cincinnati and a Doctor of Medicine from The Ohio State University. Dr. Gideon completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Cincinnati and his Rheumatology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr. Gideon's background includes experience as a chemical engineer and as a Branch Chief for the Centers for Disease Control before beginning his Rheumatology practice with BVMA in August of 2002.

Robert L. Heacock, M.D. earned his Bachelor of Science Degree and his Doctor of Medicine Degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Heacock completed an internship in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Gastroenterology at Duke Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and began practicing at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in July of 1982.

Gary E. Hirschfeld, M.D. began practicing Internal Medicine at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in July of 1978. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree and Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Hirschfeld completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Blodgett Memorial Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Hirschfeld retired from practice in September 2008.

Teresa K. Hoffmann, Pharm.D. is a graduate of Ohio Northern University where she completed her Bachelor’s and Doctorate degrees in pharmacy. Her training included internships at the Ohio Northern University Drug Information Center and in retail pharmacy at Rite Aid Pharmacy. Her residency was completed at Physicians, Inc. in Lima, Ohio, where she was employed at the conclusion of her residency specializing in cardiology, diabetes care and internal medicine. Joining the BVMA team in August 2006, Teresa works in collaboration with our physicians and specializes in anticoagulation (managing medications that prevent blood clots), as well as drug therapy for diabetes, high cholesterol, heart failure and high blood pressure. She is also currently shared faculty at Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy. Teresa is a Certified Anticoagulation Care Provider, Certified Diabetes Educator, Clinical Lipid Specialist, Certified Instructor for Advanced Cardiac Life Support and is Adult Immunization Administration certified.

Randal E. Huff, M.D., Ph.D. earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Bowling Green State University, and Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Doctor of Medicine Degree from Case Western Reserve University. He then completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine, and a fellowship in Gastroenterology at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, where he also served as Assistant Medical Director for Medical Records. Dr. Huff is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and has practiced at BVMA since July of 1995.

Lisa M. Knor, M.D. earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Sciences from Xavier University in Cincinnati and her Doctor of Medicine Degree from the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. She completed a residency in Internal Medicine at MCO, and is board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Knor began practicing Internal Medicine at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in August of 1989.

William H. Kose, M.D., F.A.C.P. (Retired) earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree and Doctor of Medicine Degree from The Ohio State University. He completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, and is board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Kose also earned a law degree from Ohio Northern University, and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He began practicing Internal Medicine at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in July of 1974 as the founding member of the practice. He retired in 1999.

Michael W. Lindamood, M.D., M.P.H. began practicing Rheumatology at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in July of 1976 after earning a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mount Union College and a Doctor of Medicine Degree from The Ohio State University. He also completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus and a fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Colorado in Denver. Dr. Lindamood is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, and also returned to school to earn his Master of Public Health Degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

David J. Meier, M.D. began his post-high school education by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Zoology, with a minor in Psychology, from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, earning Magna Cum Laude distinction. Following medical school at OSU, Dr. Meier completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at The University of Michigan. To specialize, Dr. Meier tackled not one, but two fellowships at the U of M; one in general Cardiology and one in Interventional Cardiology. After the completion of his extensive education and training, Dr. Meier began his practice at BVMA in July 2005. Dr. Meier is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Cardiology.

Stephen D. Mills, D.O. earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology and his Master of Arts Degree in Physical Education and Exercise Physiology from The Ohio State University. He went on to receive his Doctor of Osteopathy Degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Mills completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Aultman Hospital/Timken Mercy Medical Center in Canton. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, and began practicing at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in July of 1992. Currently Dr. Mills serves as the Health Commissioner for the Findlay City Health Department.

Thomas L. Mount, M.D. (Retired) joined the BVMA practice in January of 1975. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Microbiology and his Doctor of Medicine Degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Mount completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Neurology at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. Dr. Mount is board certified in Internal Medicine. He retired from his practice at BVMA in 2001.

Michael L. Otto, PA-C is a two-time graduate of the University of Findlay, earning his Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology in 1998 and his Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2002. After receiving his certification as a physician assistant, Mike worked with the physicians at Ohio Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons, Inc. in Lima for four years. He joined the BVMA team in November 2006 working with Dr. Gregory Gerschutz and Dr. David Meier, specializing in Cardiology and assisting those physicians in offering state-of-the-art cardiac care. Mike is certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and the American Association of Physician Assistant (AAPA).

Debra L. Parker, Pharm.D. earned her Bachelor’s and Doctorate degrees in pharmacy from Ohio Northern University. As part of her doctorate program, Debra completed a pharmacy practice residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to joining BVMA part-time in January 2007, Debra was the Director of Clinical Pharmacy at Physicians, Inc. in Lima, Ohio running clinics including anticoagulation, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and heart failure. In addition to working part-time at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates, Debra also works full-time as a professor at the University of Findlay School of Pharmacy. Debra is a Certified Anticoagulation Provider, Certified Diabetes Educator and a Certified Lipid Specialist.

Ronald A. Pohlmeyer, M.D. (Retired) earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wilmington College and his Master of Arts Degree in Developmental Genetics from Washington University of St. Louis. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine Degree from The Ohio State University, completing an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. Dr. Pohlmeyer also completed a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. Dr. Pohlmeyer is board certified in Internal Medicine, and in Hematology and Oncology, and began practicing at BVMA in July of 1975. He retired from his oncology practice in 2000.

Angela Willeke Ray, M.D. is a native of the Findlay area, graduating from Liberty Benton High School. After high school she attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. She continued her education by obtaining a Doctor of Medicine from The Ohio State University. Dr. Ray completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus and began her Internal Medicine practice with Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in July of 2003.

Gregory A. Ricketts, M.D. earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University. He continued at OSU, completing a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering and his Doctor of Medicine. After pursuing a residency in Internal Medicine at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Ricketts completed his board certification in Internal Medicine. He practiced at The Wooster Clinic in Wooster, Ohio for nearly five years before beginning his practice with Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in September of 2000.

Leroy L. Schroeder, M.D. has practiced Internal Medicine and Endocrinology at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates since July of 1976. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and his Doctor of Medicine Degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Schroeder completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, and a fellowship in Endocrinology and Metabolism at The Ohio State University Medical School. Dr. Schroeder was board certified in Internal Medicine in 1974, and in Endocrinology and Metabolism in 1977. His special interests are in diabetes mellitus, pituitary disease and thyroid disease.

Wendi S. Schworm, PA-C joined the BVMA team in October 2000 after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Another accomplishment of Wendi’s is the completion of her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2007 from the University of Nebraska - while she continued to work in her position at BVMA. Wendi works under the supervision of Dr. Leroy Schroeder and specializes in Endocrinology. In addition to her Physician Assistant certification through the NCCPA, Wendi is also a Certified Diabetic Educator, which assists her in providing care to her diabetic patients. Wendi works closely with Dr. Schroeder, our dietitians and other diabetic educators to provide comprehensive care and education to those patients with diabetes to control their disease.

Mary Ann Tucker, Pharm.D. joined BVMA in July 2007 as a resident pharmacist through Ohio Northern University. Mary Ann earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy in 2007 from Ohio Northern University, with a secondary major in music. Prior to her residency, Mary Ann also completed internships at MedCenter Pharmacy in Marion, Ohio and at Kroger Pharmacy in Bucyrus, Ohio. At the conclusion of her residency, Blanchard Valley Medical Associates offered a permanent position to Mary Ann to continue the excellent care and education she provides to our patients. Mary Ann works in collaboration with our physicians to offer education to our patients in managing their medications. In 2008, she completed the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Heart Failure training program at The Ohio State University Ross Heart Hospital.

Veronica Walters, CNP began at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates in October 2007 and is the first nurse practitioner to join our team. Veronica earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of New Jersey, and continued her educational journey by obtaining her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Toledo Health Science Campus (MCO). Her experience at UT afforded her clinical training at multiple primary care sites with both physicians and nurse practitioners. Veronica’s work experience includes many years as a registered nurse in a hospital setting in medical/surgical, cardiac care and emergency departments. Since becoming an advance practice nurse, Veronica has worked in small family practice offices prior to joining us at BVMA. Veronica works in collaboration with Dr. Bruce Bouts and Dr. Gregory Ricketts and has special interests in patient education and health counseling focused on promoting disease prevention, healthy lifestyle choices and safe effective use of medication. She is board certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Rick D. Watson, M.D., F.C.C.P. earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry from Denison University and his Doctor of Medicine Degree from The Ohio State University. His professional training consists of an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center and a fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine at Indiana University Medical Center. In addition to being board certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease, Dr. Watson is also a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians. He has practiced Pulmonary Medicine at BVMA since July of 1980.