Dr. Michael T. Merrick, M.D., is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing exclusively in Surgery of the Spine and Neck. He earned his M.D.from the University of Texas, Houston Medical School, and his B.S.from Rice University. Dr. Merrick completed his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners and received specialized training through a Spine Surgery Fellowship at the prestigious Norton Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, KY.
Dr. Michael T. Merrick, M.D., is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing exclusively in Surgery of the Spine and Neck. He earned his M.D.from the University of Texas, Houston Medical School, and his B.S.from Rice University. Dr. Merrick completed his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners and received specialized training through a Spine Surgery Fellowship at the prestigious Norton Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, KY.
The reviews listed below were collected independently of Azalea Orthopedics through rater8. Each review represents an authentic and verified patient experience.
Too early to know gor sire but like so far.
(1 week ago)
Sep-2026
He gave me hope today he would fix my spine and that’s the best gift I could have gotten. Thank you so much
(1 week ago)
Sep-2026
Dr Merrick is easy to talk to about my concerns. He listens and addresses the issues in a way that is very easy to understand. I can’t imagine seeing a different spine specialist.
(1 week ago)
Sep-2026
Excellent explanation of test results and options for treatment.
(1 week ago)
Sep-2026
Very kind and informative
(2 weeks ago)
Sep-2026
Thank you so much for your prayerful and skilled touch!
(1 month ago)
Aug-2026
He done a fabulous job on my sister now it’s my turn
(1 month ago)
Aug-2026
Great dr like very well
(1 month ago)
Aug-2026
Love his care
(1 month ago)
Aug-2026
He was very knowledgeable and explained everything In depth so we could understand it.
Dr. Michael Merrick, M.D., is a Board Certified orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in adult and pediatric spine surgery. He finished a one-year fellowship in spine surgery at the world-renowned Norton Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, Kentucky. His interests include minimally invasive surgery, degenerative conditions in the neck and back, and deformity surgery. Dr. Merrick grew up in The Woodlands, Texas. He earned a scholarship to play football at Rice University. After four years at Rice, he attended medical school at the University of Texas in Houston. He then completed his five-year orthopaedic surgery residency in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“My hope is to help patients with disabling back and neck problems get back to living life on their own terms,” Merrick said.
“I believe that surgery should always be the last resort when it comes to treating spinal conditions in the neck and back,” Merrick explains. “However, if various non-operative treatments have been attempted without improvement, spine surgery may be the right answer. Our field has made tremendous advances in recent years. We have minimally invasive and motion-preserving technology that helps patients return to normal function more quickly.”
In 2019 – 2023, Dr. Merrick has been recognized by Texas Monthly Magazine with their Rising Stars Award. In 2024 and 2025, he was recognized as a Super Doctor.
In September 2023, he was voted as a Best in Town winner by readers of the Tyler Telegraph. His category was “One of the Best – Spine Surgeon”.
In September 2024, Dr. Merrick was voted by readers of the Tyler Morning Telegraph as One of the Best Spine Surgeons. In September 2025, he was also voted by Tyler Morning Telegraph readers as a runner-up for the Best in Town Spine Surgeon.
Dr. Merrick was featured in the April 2022 edition of Tyler Medical Professionals Magazine. Click here to read the story.
Too early to know gor sire but like so far.
He gave me hope today he would fix my spine and that’s the best gift I could have gotten. Thank you so much
Dr Merrick is easy to talk to about my concerns. He listens and addresses the issues in a way that is very easy to understand. I can’t imagine seeing a different spine specialist.
Excellent explanation of test results and options for treatment.
Very kind and informative
Thank you so much for your prayerful and skilled touch!
He done a fabulous job on my sister now it’s my turn
Great dr like very well
Love his care
He was very knowledgeable and explained everything In depth so we could understand it.