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.
Dr. Merrick is very thorough about explaining what is going on with the back.
(1 week ago)
Jul-2026
Dr Merrick makes one feel very confident with his recommendations.
(2 weeks ago)
Jul-2026
I would highly recommend Dr. MERRICK! Very informative and walks you through the process.
(1 month ago)
Jun-2026
My Doctors visits are always welcoming,the Doctor Greets you when he enters the room . He works with you to make sure you get the help you need the Surgery was awesome
(1 month ago)
Jun-2026
He does an excellent job of answering questions.
(1 month ago)
May-2026
Dr. Merrick was very kind and spent time to show me my x ray and suggesting who I need to aee
(2 months ago)
May-2026
Great surgeon and genuinely cares about his patients.
(2 months ago)
Apr-2026
Best doc ever!!!!
(3 months ago)
Apr-2026
It is not surprising that Dr Merrick is a top surgeon in Texas. He uses the most proven state of the Art techniques and hardware for his surgeries. Which is to the benefit of his patience.
(3 months ago)
Apr-2026
Dr. Merrick was very thorough and straight to the point. Just what I like in a doctor.
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.
Dr. Merrick is very thorough about explaining what is going on with the back.
Dr Merrick makes one feel very confident with his recommendations.
I would highly recommend Dr. MERRICK! Very informative and walks you through the process.
My Doctors visits are always welcoming,the Doctor Greets you when he enters the room . He works with you to make sure you get the help you need the Surgery was awesome
He does an excellent job of answering questions.
Dr. Merrick was very kind and spent time to show me my x ray and suggesting who I need to aee
Great surgeon and genuinely cares about his patients.
Best doc ever!!!!
It is not surprising that Dr Merrick is a top surgeon in Texas. He uses the most proven state of the Art techniques and hardware for his surgeries. Which is to the benefit of his patience.
Dr. Merrick was very thorough and straight to the point. Just what I like in a doctor.