About Me
More info forI am a general thoracic surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of lung and esophageal cancers. My clinical interests include primary lung carcinoma, esophageal carcinoma, thymic malignancies, primary tumors of the chest wall, tracheal tumors and secondary lung carcinoma. I also serve as professor and director of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at The Ohio State University, as well as director of inpatient services at The James. I was named to the Castle Connolly list of “Regional Top Doctors” from 2017-2019 and rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction in 2015. I perform robotic–assisted thoracic surgery procedures for the removal of lung tumors and tumors in the mediastinum. Robotic surgery provides a significant advantage over traditional thoracotomy incisions as it's minimally invasive and promotes rapid healing with fewer infections. Robotic Assisted lobectomy is becoming the operation of choice for early stage lung cancer. My research interest involves tumor immunology. I have investigated the role of Ciplatin mediated upregulation of CD40 ligand in lung cancer cell lines. CD8 T cells contain the CD40 ligand receptor that promotes cancer cell apoptosis, or programmed death, after binding CD40 ligand. I also perform outcomes research to improve the results of surgical procedures for thoracic malignancies. I have published many studies in such peer-reviewed journals as Nature Medicine, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic Surgery Clinics, The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer and Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry. Here at OSUCCC – James, we work together as a multidisciplinary team to improve patient care and outcomes while striving to find the cure for cancer. It's challenging and rewarding work, and we never stop trying.
Clinical Expertise
More info for- Lung Cancers
- Barrett's Esophagus
- Heartburn
- Thoracic Surgery
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung
- Tracheal Diseases
- Esophageal Diseases
- Hernia, Hiatal
- Thoracic Diseases
- Carcinoid Tumor
- Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Emphysema
- Pleural Effusion
- Mediastinal Diseases
- Esophageal Achalasia
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
- Mesothelioma
- Thymoma
- Robotics
- Esophageal Cancers
Where I See Patients
More info for
Education & Training
More info forFellowship - Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery
- Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit St, Boston, MA
Fellowship - Thoracic Surgery
- Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit St, Boston, MA
Internship - Surgery (General Surgery)
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital
525 E 68Th St, New York, NY
Residency - Surgery (General Surgery)
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital
525 E 68Th St, New York, NY
Medical School
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University
1300 York Ave, New York, NY
- Massachusetts General Hospital
Reviews
More info forPatient Satisfaction Review
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the five questions gathered from the Outpatient Oncology survey, developed by Press Ganey Associates for use in oncology clinics across the country. On behalf of The James, Press Ganey administers the survey to patients who see our providers in an outpatient clinic office. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our
Patient Satisfaction Survey page The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of The James.
Consulting and Related Relationships
More info forAt The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the university requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their university responsibilities. As of 09/30/2024, Dr. Merritt has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Patient Comments
I really like the dr
Exceptional again
The care providers did not rush us and took time to answer all our questions.
I think Dr. Merritt is wonderful and glad he was my doctor I think he is the best. And I have a lot of confidence in him and his care of me.
My care provider made me feel at ease.
Excellent PA. Dr Merritt exceptional
Excellent
Dr. Merritt went far above and beyond any requirements of his time. Even though my treatment would have almost certainly occurred outside his division, he supplied all the information I requested and more--cheerfully, specifically, and authoritatively. Further, he told me that he understood exactly why I was there, and he did understand. I came away with the greatest respect for him.
I was very happy w the staff
I am always treated very well by staff and Dr.Merritt.
Dr. Merritt made me feel very comfortable and confident that we are taking the right next steps proceeding with surgery.
Dr Merritt explained the reasons of denying the surgery better then any prior Dr. Also used visuals which helped greatly.
Good
Everyone I came in contact with was very confident in my issue. Very understanding and explained in great detail.
Dr. Merritt provided clear medical guidance but made me feel that I was deciding my treatment options
Everything and everybody was exceptional!!
Dr. Merritt and Staff were Stellar!
Care providers were awesome
I have great faith in Dr. Merritt, he did my surgery and follow up and he is great about explaining everything to me. He even showed me my results about my CT scan and showed me all about it. He is a very personable man.
DrMerritt is the best!
Dr. Merritt and his staff were very kind and informative about how my surgery will be done. I do not think I could have gotten better care than I did.
Dr. Merritt was very helpful in explaining the treatment options and listening to my concerns. I felt very confident in his ability to provide excellent care.
Dr. Merritt is very good about taking the time to answer questions
Great!
Dr. Merritt staff was great. Always answered my questions. Staff was skillful & knowledgeable.
Both Dr Merritt and intern were extremely good.
Very impressed with Dr. Merritt and his staff as well as Dr. Pannu and her staff.
Dr. Merritt and his team took their time with us in answering all questions regarding my diagnosis and treatment.