Ryan P. Merkow, MD

Ryan P. Merkow, MD

4.9 
151 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Surgical Oncology

Secondary Specialty

Meet The Doctor

Insurance

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HealthBeat

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Leading-Edge Weapon Fights Liver Cancer

An implanted pump can deliver high doses of chemotherapy directly to the liver while sparing patients some toxic side effects.

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Practice Focus Areas

Education

Medical Education:
MD, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine - 2007
Residency:
University of Colorado
University of Chicago - 2015
Fellowships:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - 2017

Media

Meet The Doctor 1:05
Meet The Doctor
December 18, 2017

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Surgery - Complex General Surgical Oncology (Certified)
  • American Board of Surgery - Surgery (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Assistant Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:
Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

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Overall Rating

4.9
4.9 

151 Ratings

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Reviews from Patients

94 Reviews

Reviews from Patients

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94 Reviews

March 18, 2022

5.0

Tell me what I need to know

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March 18, 2022

5.0

Dr Merkow is thorough and provides the best care. He listens and educates to provide answers.

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March 01, 2022

5.0

Compassionate people who love to serve others is a blessing.

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February 26, 2022

5.0

Dr Merkow takes the time to give a very detailed and thorough explanations of your options for surgery and continued treatment. He’s a straight shooter. I appreciate his candor.

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February 25, 2022

5.0

Dr. Merkow has explained the procedure for surgery and any possible issues related to the surgery. He was very through on the hospital stay and any further treatments.

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February 19, 2022

5.0

His the best Doctor

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February 08, 2022

5.0

Dr. Merkow is fantastic. I have dealt with many doctors while undergoing my therapy and he is the best.

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February 07, 2022

5.0

This is the only therapy that gives one copies of the exercise. Everyone else wants you to remember. That is impossible.

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January 28, 2022

5.0

Answering all my questions taking time to tell me about my diagnosis very calm explaining everything

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January 25, 2022

5.0

Dr. Merkow is calming, he is very good at explaining things,in simple understandable language. He knows what is needed and got those things ordered for me and done the same day.

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January 18, 2022

5.0

He was great at explaining everything. Answered my questions and I felt that he could do his best to save my life. I have been blessed with everything and grateful to add to those blessing with Dr. Merkow🙏🙏🙏

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January 17, 2022

5.0

Dr Merkow is the best at what he does and he is using innovative treatments.

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January 07, 2022

5.0

He was super friendly and made me feel well informed. I did not feel rushed.

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January 01, 2022

5.0

Took his time to explain the procedure and made you feel comfortable. After procedure DR. Merkow makes sure you understand everything has done and continues to follow up with yoo

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December 18, 2021

5.0

Dr. Merkow is wonderful. He is kind and goes over everything so it’s easy to understand. Very calming and caring.

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November 18, 2021

5.0

Caring, informative. Doctor

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November 09, 2021

5.0

Dr. Merkow provided good interactive discussion about my health concerns. I was not just a case that fits into a standard routine process.

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November 05, 2021

5.0

He explain things that I could understand.

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November 01, 2021

5.0

VERY patient centered. Spends the time needed to answer all my questions and to explain my situation and possible "next steps" in my treatment. I feel very comfortable in his hands. I am very grateful for his skill and attention that has led to my recovery.

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November 01, 2021

5.0

He was on time with his call he answered all my questions took my worries out of my mind

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October 19, 2021

5.0

Kind, honest, patient, informative

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October 15, 2021

5.0

Dr Merkow explained all aspects of before and after surgery to me very concisely

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October 07, 2021

5.0

Muy profesional y amigable muy contento con los servicios de este hospital

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September 24, 2021

5.0

He's very up front

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September 16, 2021

5.0

Dr. Merkow was prepared for our meeting, clear in his explanation of the problems that impede resection and clear in his proposed solution to those problems. My meeting with Dr. Mulcahy was direct and informative on the non-surgical issues that intersect with resection as the eventual goal of cancer treatment as a whole for my intrahepatic bile duct cancer.

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September 07, 2021

5.0

He will give you options on procedure And let you know of the risks

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September 07, 2021

5.0

Dr. Merkow took the time to explain to me in depth of my upcoming procedures. Very sincere and down to earth! He exudes confidence and professionalism. Very impressed with him.

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August 31, 2021

5.0

Great interacting and answers all of the questions.

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July 03, 2021

5.0

He’s very personable ! He makes you feel like you matter!! He very Thorough !!

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July 02, 2021

5.0

My fist time meeting him he knows how to talk to patients and explain things in details for patients to have ideas of how their treatment is going to be

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June 18, 2021

5.0

He’s very personable and knowledgeable. I always feels like he’s telling me everything without going into too much medical jargon but also not dumbing it down either

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June 04, 2021

5.0

He is one of the best. Extremely knowledgeable, his entire team answered concerns/questions I had promptly.

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May 21, 2021

5.0

Very detailed, compassionate and knowledgeable.

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May 18, 2021

5.0

Dr. explained my status thoroughly in terms I could understand. We were not rushed.

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May 07, 2021

5.0

He makes you feel comfortable, explains well, and takes his time with you.

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April 30, 2021

5.0

He takes the time to explain physiology then speak about test results. He is kind and caring and you get a sense that he really wants to help you.

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April 30, 2021

5.0

He’s extremely personable and caring

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April 27, 2021

5.0

He made me feel comfortable talking with him

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April 27, 2021

5.0

Competent and empathetic

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April 23, 2021

5.0

He’s very professional and knowledgeable

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April 21, 2021

5.0

Felt comfortable with Dr. Ryan P. Merkow. Answered all questions plus further explained other items I was not thinking of at the time during my consultation visit.

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April 20, 2021

5.0

I seen several doctors and nobody compares to him.

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April 09, 2021

5.0

Great doctor with patient care.

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April 09, 2021

5.0

Very easy to talk to and explains everything thoroughly. Checks to see if I have any questions and encourages me to contact him if I have any questions. Was patient and relax and made me feel like I was in experieced hands and confident of the whole Northwestern Team

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April 02, 2021

5.0

He explained everything fully and took time with me

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April 02, 2021

5.0

Warmth and content knowledge

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March 23, 2021

5.0

He seemed very knowledgeable

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February 20, 2021

5.0

Explains what will be done with clarity in a professional & courteous manner.

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February 19, 2021

5.0

This was my first meeting with De. Merkow. Dr. Merkow was well prepared, providing lucid and throughout information about my condition. He listened carefully and answered my questions thoughtfully. He was very professional and courteous.

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February 12, 2021

5.0

Throughly explained my situation in an manor that was understandable, and also in a very compassionate way...

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February 09, 2021

5.0

I would highly recommend Dr Merkow to anyone who needs his services.

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January 20, 2021

5.0

Excellent interpersonal skills. Thorough review of anatomy, disease process, treatment options. Wonderful coordination of care with the oncology team as well.

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January 19, 2021

5.0

His knowledge and innovation is unparalleled

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January 19, 2021

5.0

Explained everything in detail, answered questions thoroughly. He was confident yet realistic.

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January 08, 2021

5.0

He is explaining very well

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December 29, 2020

5.0

Dr Merkow is an amazing professional. He clearly outlines the situation, the options and the course of treatment. He is patient and takes the time to discuss patient questions and concerns.

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December 29, 2020

5.0

Very patient answered all my questions and told me to call if I had any other questions!

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December 23, 2020

5.0

Dr. Merkow is a total professional. He has the ability to make complex issues simple. If you combine that with a gentle bedside manner and total command of his area of medicine there is not a lot more to ask.

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December 23, 2020

5.0

Explanation good .

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December 04, 2020

5.0

Dr. Merkow has a remarkable ability to relate to his patient, though we have never met in person. He has a warmth and empathy that inspires confidence and an ability to explain medical diagnoses with clarity and reassurance. Though my test results were fortunately good, I imagine that if he had to explain more serious outcomes, I would still feel comforted by his manner.

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December 04, 2020

5.0

Great person and great doctor

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December 04, 2020

5.0

He took the time to explain everything and making sure we understand

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November 24, 2020

5.0

Very easy to talk to

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November 17, 2020

5.0

Dr Merkow is a very good communicator is a knowledgeable, problem solver.

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November 10, 2020

5.0

Sincere, caring and patient. Answered my questions without hesitation and explained in terms I could understand.

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November 06, 2020

5.0

He has excellent bedside manners. He is very smart and knowledgeable. I trust his expertise advice for my health and care

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November 06, 2020

5.0

I was extremely nervous and everything was explained. I was more calm when I left.

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October 30, 2020

5.0

Talent and communication

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October 30, 2020

5.0

Talent of doctors

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October 24, 2020

5.0

He is the best Dr I have met that cares for me and my afflictions with so much knowledge understanding professionalism and gentle care.

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October 24, 2020

5.0

I love my Dr. Merkow, and all professionals that care for all patients here. Their knowledge, kindness, understanding, and professionalism. From the doctors to house cleaning. The whole institution cares and it shows.

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October 23, 2020

5.0

He was very thorough and gave some good options

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September 25, 2020

5.0

The experience es vey important

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September 25, 2020

5.0

Dr Merkow took all the time necessary on my appt and he explain and respond all my questions.

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September 25, 2020

4.0

Very informative and understanding

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September 11, 2020

5.0

His ability to communicate what is known about my condition and what steps should be taken was assuring. I feel benefited tremendously from Dr Merkow's advice. I also benefitedand his allowing me to bring a family member into this discussion In a three way call.

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September 11, 2020

5.0

I got the information and the guidance to formulate a plan for effective diagnosis and care.

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September 04, 2020

5.0

great dr. Answers questions and will follow my cancer path to check on me.

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September 04, 2020

5.0

Very friendly and explains everything well

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September 04, 2020

5.0

Dr Merkow cares about me

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September 04, 2020

5.0

Very knowledgeable & kind. He listened to my concerns and spent time making sure all my questions were answered. Excellent physician!

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August 29, 2020

5.0

Dr Merkow was excellent in explaining in detail my condition and his plan going forward.

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August 28, 2020

5.0

Knowledgeable, responsive, understanding professionals who clearly describe the condition, discuss alternative treatments and recommend treatment plans.

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August 11, 2020

5.0

So kind, so professional, so through.. He is the best doctor I have ever had.

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August 07, 2020

5.0

Doctor Merkow was very pleasant and explained everything very good.

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July 29, 2020

5.0

Very friendly, extremely knowledgeable, took significant time to fully explain his rationale.

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July 10, 2020

5.0

Very professional

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June 30, 2020

5.0

Doctor Merkow was comprehensive in explaining every thing from soup to nuts. He was emphatic, and kind while not sugar coating the situation. He made me feel like I was a human being and not a Porsche payment. I feel he would give me an honest evaluation on how to proceed.

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June 26, 2020

5.0

Dr. Merkow took time to explain my type of cancer. He was very knowledgeable and kind. He gave me hope and options for what they might be able to do to help me.

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June 26, 2020

5.0

Excellent staff, very friendly and efficient..Doctor was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He took all the time we needed to answer questions.

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June 19, 2020

5.0

Just met Dr Merkow on TeleMed call today and was very impressed and comfortable with our conversation. He was very prepared and detailed on his points regarding my case and explained his Intentions very well. I am confident he will give me wonderful care. She

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June 12, 2020

5.0

I am so glad that I went to Dr . Merkow . He saved me from an unnecessary risky surgery . He is thoughtful, extremely knowledgeable and approachable . He thoroughly answered all my questions . I highly recommend him

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June 12, 2020

5.0

Dr Merkow is excellent . Extremely knowledgeable and caring .

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June 09, 2020

5.0

My consultation with Dr. Merkow was excellent. He explained my current situation and discussed possible issues I may be facing. He discussed alternative treatments and clearly laid out his recommended course of action. He is compassionate, professional and supportive. I feel very reassured that I am in good hands.

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Disclosures

Industry Relationships

Ownership or Investment Interests

Faculty member had an ownership or investment interest in the following companies

  • Exact Sciences Corporation
  • Medtronic, Inc.
  • Pfizer, Inc.

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.

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