MercyOne Fort Dodge Family Medicine, 119 Ave. O West, will become part of Van Diest Medical Center as a satellite clinic, VDMC hospital officials announced Friday.

VDMC is an affiliate of MercyOne. The merging of the Fort Dodge family medicine clinic with Van Diest will be effective July 1.

“Unifying practices strengthens both organizations and supports our mission while ensuring access to high quality health care remains a priority for area residents for years to come,” said Lisa Ridge, CEO of VDMC. “We have a number of patients living in Fort Dodge and surrounding areas who utilize our services and to merge the clinic with our hospital allows for future sustainability to continue to serve our communities well into the future.”

MercyOne Fort Dodge Family Medicine opened in early 2017 with Dr. John Birkett and Dr. Alan Nguyen, two well-known local physicians, at the helm.

Both of them practiced for decades at the UnityPoint Health family medicine clinic at 1428 Second Ave. N. Birkett has been practicing medicine since 1976, while Nguyen has been practicing since 1995.

The most noticeable change from the merger will be in the name. The clinic will be called Van Diest Family Health Clinic Fort Dodge.

Staff members from both organizations have been informed of the development. The health care team will be retained, according to hospital leadership.

The clinic will remain at its current location.

“For many years we have worked closely with Van Diest Medical Center to provide the best patient care in the region,” said Dr. William Vandivier, president of MercyOne Medical Group — Central Iowa. “We look forward to the changes ahead of us as MercyOne Fort Dodge Family Medicine transitions to Van Diest ownership, allowing both of our organizations to support the community and its future in the best capacity.”

Ridge added, “The providers and staff at MercyOne Fort Dodge Family Medicine are outstanding health care providers, and we are excited for the opportunity to align our organizations and provide seamless care to all patients. We look forward to working together to deliver the best health care services to our patients and families throughout our communities.”