Ohio University Grad: Gina Merritt

After completing her undergraduate work, Gina Merritt enrolled at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.  The work required of her at the College of Osteopathic Medicine was though, but Gina Merritt completed the task at hand with flying colors.

Merritt graduated from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine with residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center.  Gina Merritt worked at other hospitals throughout Connecticut around this same time, including Norfolk Hospital and the West Haven, VA Hospital, however, her residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center was one of the greatest challenges.

When she tells the average person about her time at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, the most common question she hears is, “What is osteopathy?”  The word is rather unfamiliar to many people, but contrary to what you might think, is by no means an obscure branch of medicine.

Osteopathic Medicine has existed for well over 100 years, and is rising in popularity.  In 2011, one out of five medical students were pursing a Doctor of Osteopathy degree (D.O.) – compared to the more common Doctor of Medicine (M.D.).  Today, Doctors of Osteopathy enjoy the same rights and privilege to practice in the United States (and many other countries) as Doctors of Medicine.

Students who study osteopathy – whether at Ohio University (like Gina Merritt) or elsewhere – often spend 300-500 more hours studying hands-on manual medicine than students who pursue an M.D.  Because of an intense focus on the musculus skeletal system, many doctors of osteopathy – Gina Merritt included – feel extremely competent and prepared for dealing with a variety of medical issues that patients might come in with on a daily basis.  Gina Merritt always likes to encourage young patients who are aspiring medical professionals to consider osteopathy as an option for their educational route.

Gina Merritt: Before Middlesex MultiSpecialty Group

Dr. Gina Merritt, D.O., currently practices at Middlesex MultiSpecialty Group in Middletown, Connecticut.  However, Gina Merritt has a past that is rich with experience that many of her patients at Middlesex know nothing about.

After earning her medical degree from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Gina Merritt spent her time working in several hospitals.  Merritt formerly worked at Yale-New Haven as a part of her residency program.  Merritt completed her residence through the University of Connecticut (UCONN).  Also, around this same time, Gina Merritt was the recipient of the Yale University Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship.  She graduated with the class of 2004.

Also, Gina Merritt spent a considerable amount of time working at the West Haven, VA Hospital, which challenged her skills in osteopathy and internal medicine most rigorously.  While many nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals complain of the intense workload and high demands that a Veterans Affairs hospital puts on them, Gina Merritt thrived in the stressful environment.

Lastly, Gina Merritt received a fellowship from Norwalk Hospital, which is a respected non-profit care community that serves lower Fairfield County in Connecticut.  Though the hospital serves a community of about 250,000, they still boast a large staff of over 500 physicians and 2,000 other health industry professionals.  Receiving this fellowship was one of Merritt’s greatest honors before joining Middlesex MultiSpecialty Group in Middletown.  Gina Merritt was proud to be associated with Norwalk Hospital because of their distinguished awards from HealthGrades.  The hospital has received numerous awards for Clinical Excellence.

Though most patients don’t know much about Dr. Gina Merritt’s past, Merritt has paid her dues from the Midwest to New England, working hard in a variety of capacities.  Furthermore, Gina Merritt holds several professional certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is a member of several prestigious professional groups and organizations throughout the United States.

Gina Merritt: A Doctor That Genuinely Cares

If you question many doctor about what matters most to them as professionals, a common response you will get is research, developing a career, and making professional contacts.  Then, there are some doctors who will say that treating patients is what matters most to them.  If you ask Dr. Gina Merritt what is most important to her, she’ll readily tell you that it’s working with patients that truly excites her, and makes her love her job.

Though Gina Merritt, M.D., has a tremendous interest in research and professional networking, at the end of the day, nothing matters to her more than helping patients.  Speaking of her professional life, Gina Merritt holds general certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), as well as certification in three subspecialties.  Also, Merritt is a member of several professional groups, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American Thoracic Society, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine.

However, at the end of the day, these accreditations aren’t what Gina Merritt values most.  For Merritt, the truly valuable aspects of her career are the parts that happen in her office on a daily basis.  Specializing in pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine, Gina Merritt is a professional through and through when it comes to dealing with respiratory issues.  She especially shines when she’s confronted with emergency respiratory issues.  With a sharp, well-organized mind, and the educational training that puts her at ease in any situation, Gina Merritt is able to put all of her energy into being a doctor that truly cares.

Merritt’s patients recognize that she truly cares, too.  If you ask any patients that visit Gina Merritt, “What makes Dr. Merritt so special?” you’re sure to get the same answer 95% of the time.  Merritt has enjoyed the success she knows because of her authentic, caring personality.

Gina Merritt Has the Trust of Her Patients

Not all doctors can say that they have the trust of their patients.  Then again, not all doctors work as hard as Gina Merritt to earn that special and sacred trust.  Practicing as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Middlesex MultiSpecialty Group in Middletown, CT, Dr. Gina Merritt has had to spend years paying her dues, proving her expertise and reliability, in order to build her reputation to the place where it is today.

For many people, a doctor is only someone that you see just as you would a plumber or a car mechanic.  Many patients today, jaded by the increasingly common stories of malpractice and – even worse – outright malfeasance, have begun to see the medical profession as just another profession.

However, patients who have found Gina Merritt know that at least she is an exception to that negative stereotype.  Merritt is the kind of doctor who embodies the Hippocratic Oath.  Her consistently trustworthy, reliable, and ethical practices go far above the standard call of duty.  When Dr. Gina Merritt says she will care for her patients, she truly cares for her patients.

If you are looking to find a doctor who can be trusted like Gina Merritt, here are a few suggestions to consider in your search for the “perfect doctor”:

• Consider certifications.  While various board certifications don’t necessarily guarantee trustworthiness, doctors who hold multiple board certifications have had to go through numerous credential checks.  Gina Merritt, for example, holds four certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you seek out a new doctor.  Doctors who are actuallytrustworthy won’t be offended if you ask to see referrals or recommendations.  Gina Merritt is always happy to show new and potential patients her referrals should they prove interested.