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 was very thorough and straight to the point. Just what I like in a doctor.
(1 week ago)
Mar-2026
Very kind and informative
(1 month ago)
Feb-2026
Absolutely phenomenal surgeon. Knowledgable. Personable. Highly recommend and if I ever need more spine work done, he will be my first call. His staff is incredible too, especially Tiffany.
(1 month ago)
Feb-2026
Very personable and thorough. Treated me with respect and listened.
(1 month ago)
Jan-2026
Wonderful doctor
(2 months ago)
Jan-2026
I have complete trust in Dr Merrick and am very happy with the outcome of my procedure
(2 months ago)
Jan-2026
Awesome doctor.
(2 months ago)
Jan-2026
Very personable and attentive. Explained & communicated in detail.
(2 months ago)
Dec-2025
Excellent Doctor!!! He took care of my lower back and now working on my c-spine!
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 was very thorough and straight to the point. Just what I like in a doctor.
Very kind and informative
Absolutely phenomenal surgeon. Knowledgable. Personable. Highly recommend and if I ever need more spine work done, he will be my first call. His staff is incredible too, especially Tiffany.
Very personable and thorough. Treated me with respect and listened.
Wonderful doctor
I have complete trust in Dr Merrick and am very happy with the outcome of my procedure
Awesome doctor.
Very personable and attentive. Explained & communicated in detail.
Excellent Doctor!!! He took care of my lower back and now working on my c-spine!
Very professional and concerned