Vitreoretinal Surgery
Cullen Eye Institute
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Biography
Dr. Merrill's interest in biology developed early on. "In elementary school, Jacques Cousteau was my hero and I was going to be a marine biologist."
But in time her affinity for people led her to trade the underwater dream for one that proved even more gratifying - medicine. After receiving her undergraduate degree in biology from Princeton University, her interest in neurobiology led her to St. Louis and Washington University for a master's degree in biomedical sciences (1990) and a medical degree (1991). That same interest in neurobiology also drew her to specialize in the eye.
"The saying that 'the eyes are the window to the soul' is quite true. In more concrete terms, the fibers of the optic nerve and retina are a visible extension of the brain. The retina can reveal much about the condition of the central nervous system and the patient's overall health," says Dr. Merrill. This - and the fact that retinal surgery can make a dramatic difference for patients with severe eye disease - motivated her to specialize in the retina.
Dr. Merrill also has an interest in uveitis, or inflammation within the eye. "Uveitis is often related to a wide range of disorders that affect the rest of the body as well. Treating uveitis allows me to get to know the patients well and care for them on a regular basis. That's one of the rewards of medicine."
Her internship in internal medicine at Good Samaritan Hospital (Portland, OR) was followed by residency at the Duke University Eye Center (Durham, NC). That, in turn, led to a vitreoretinal fellowship at the Cullen Eye Institute at the Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX).
"I have been fortunate to have the benefit of excellent training throughout my medical career," Dr. Merrill says. "Now I'm happy to bring those medical and surgical skills to Illinois Retina Associates."
Why Illinois Retina Associates? "Because this group has done an outstanding job of bringing together doctors who offer medical expertise with human compassion and respect for every patient."
Dr. Merril is assistant professor of ophthalmology at Rush University Medical Center. She is involved in clinical research and has been principal investigator for studies relating both to retinal disease and uveitis.
When I'm not being a doctor...
Dr. Merrill's outside interests span a wide range - from music to squash to the outdoors. "When I have the time, I love mountain biking, tennis, kayaking and skiing."
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