Bradley R. Merk, MD

4.9 
1812 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Orthopaedic Trauma

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Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

  • Fractures
  • Fractures, Complex
  • Fractures, Non-union
  • Musculoskeletal Trauma
  • Pelvic and Hip Fractures
  • Trauma Reconstruction
  • Traumatic Deformity

Education

Medical Education:
MD, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine - 1994
Residency:
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 1999
Fellowships:
Hospital for Special Surgery/Cornell Medical Center - 2000

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery - Orthopaedic Surgery (Certified)

Faculty Profile

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:
Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

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Overall Rating

4.9
4.9 

1812 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

April 29, 2025

5.0

Very thorough and clear explanation of my health condition care plan.

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April 29, 2025

5.0

Answered my questions. Explained things thoroughly and in understandable terms

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April 27, 2025

5.0

Very attentive

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April 23, 2025

5.0

He is a top matched doctor and I have complete faith in him. I feel I would never need a second opinion. He was patient and kind and even assisted in removing my stitches from a different injury. I feel you couldn't be in better hands.

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April 23, 2025

4.0

He was thorough and good at explaining the problem.

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April 22, 2025

5.0

Very professional and eligible made me feel confident that I will be healed and gave me some good suggestions and I'm sure the follow-up will be good

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April 22, 2025

5.0

Explains everything very well

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April 22, 2025

5.0

knows his profession very well - is pleasant and likeable.

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April 20, 2025

5.0

Manner, treatment and information

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April 15, 2025

5.0

I had the good fortune of having his care 6 years ago so he was the first and only call I made.

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April 15, 2025

5.0

Clear and confident

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April 15, 2025

5.0

Takes time to explain the X-rays. Non rushed. Confident. Understanding about my feelings as an emotional individual.

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April 15, 2025

5.0

Dr. Merk besides being a great surgeon he is a wonderful and caring person.

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April 15, 2025

5.0

True professional. Great patient management and explained everything

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April 08, 2025

4.0

Seems good and I like his PA. But I have only seen him once and so it's hard to judge. Like if someone asked about him, I'd say he was pleasant, good at explaining things.

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April 06, 2025

5.0

He showed concern for an elderly person

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April 05, 2025

5.0

interested in my perspectives

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April 01, 2025

5.0

He explained the images of my accident to me . Instructions very hoof

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March 26, 2025

5.0

He listened to my questions & answered them, offered suggestions as what I can do on my own to improve my injury, I did not feel rushed

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March 26, 2025

5.0

He takes the time to answer all of the questions and is very good at explaining the diagnosis and treatment plan.

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March 25, 2025

5.0

Excellent patient care

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March 25, 2025

5.0

He was wonderful. He was very caring and informative prior to the surgery. He knew my father in law who was a surgeon years before and was so kind about him. He updated my husband after the surgery and the surgery had excellent results!

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March 23, 2025

5.0

Knowledgeable kind Doctor

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March 22, 2025

5.0

He was patient, explained everything, allowed us to ask questions, and did a fabulous job!

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March 22, 2025

5.0

Professional, experienced and kind. Answers all questions clearly and has extensive knowledge.

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March 18, 2025

5.0

Dr. Merk did an excellent job with surgery on my shoulder. I'm very happy with my results. Need continue with my physical therapy.

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March 18, 2025

5.0

My surgery went very well. He is an excellent physician with knowledgeable staff.

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March 18, 2025

5.0

Dr. Merk confirmed what the PA had explained and made himself available for follow-up questions and care.

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March 18, 2025

5.0

He explained my issues clearly and recommended what I needed to do.

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March 12, 2025

5.0

Because he's very nice

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March 11, 2025

5.0

Very good patient manner. He explained the injury using the X-ray so that I would understand it

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February 25, 2025

5.0

He is fully present and attentive. He makes eye contact. I found him easy to follow, understand and believe. This is not learned, it is a gift few doctors have. It Is found more often in doctors of his generation. Lucky me that my other 2 NW doctors are also of this caliber.

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February 19, 2025

5.0

Dr. Merk is a good listener and has a very professional and approachable manner. He addressed my concerns.

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February 18, 2025

5.0

Dr. Merk was very helpful throughout my stages of care. He is patient and able to help me through discussion of my post care.

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February 18, 2025

5.0

Because he's very good

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February 18, 2025

5.0

Made me feel so comfortable Explained everything that happened and what to expect

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February 17, 2025

5.0

Dr. Merk is just fabulous to me, I originally met him through the er when I had a bad auto accident and since then we have been besties.

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February 11, 2025

5.0

Clear, direct, encouraging.

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February 11, 2025

5.0

Honest and gracious, calm.

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February 11, 2025

5.0

I cant say enough about Dr. Merk. He has helped so much after surgery . Very professional, concise and knows how to speak to a patient.

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February 08, 2025

5.0

Professional who is an expert at what he does. He got me in quickly also.

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February 04, 2025

5.0

Dr. Merk was wonderful. Was very patient and caring.

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January 23, 2025

5.0

His sweet way of handling me. He was so ice and gentle.

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January 21, 2025

5.0

Very knowledgeable

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January 18, 2025

5.0

Experienced, kind and knowledgeable_ answered all questions and is a great surgeon

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January 15, 2025

5.0

Dr. Merk is an exceptional orthopedic surgeon. From the initial consultation to post-surgery care, the entire experience was professional and thorough. He took the time to explain the procedure, answered all my questions, and made sure I was comfortable throughout the process. My recovery has been smooth, and I am incredibly grateful for his expertise and care.

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January 15, 2025

5.0

Same as above. Efficient, helpful, knowledgeable. Great experience!

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January 14, 2025

5.0

Trust him and he explains everything

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January 14, 2025

5.0

Good at his job 1

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January 14, 2025

5.0

PATIENT FRIENDLY

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January 06, 2025

5.0

It seems like he did a great job, but I'm no expert. I'm healing well and his team scheduled my post-op care without me having to figure anything out.

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January 01, 2025

5.0

Excellent bedside manner, minimum wait time and excellent support staff.

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December 31, 2024

5.0

Professional yet kind. Thorough and knowledgeable. Answered all questions and addressed any concerns.

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December 26, 2024

5.0

Hey this connection is very strong and my opinion is that Dr. Merk is that he is almost god-like

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December 24, 2024

5.0

He listens and is caring.

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December 22, 2024

5.0

Seems very qualified, listened and responded to my concerns. Did not ignore or dismiss my concerns.

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December 21, 2024

5.0

He was very nice and told me exactly what was going on and how to treat my situation

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December 20, 2024

5.0

His team was great! Emma is awesome

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December 18, 2024

5.0

Excellent

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December 16, 2024

5.0

Dr. Merk discussed treatment options with me. I felt confident about his care.

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December 15, 2024

5.0

Fabulous surgeon, wonderful and engaging personality, professional

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December 14, 2024

5.0

He's excellent

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December 13, 2024

5.0

He is a very good doctor and I would have no problem in recommending Dr. Merk to anyone, anytime.

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December 10, 2024

5.0

Managed my exceptions prior to surgery and now have exceeded them

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December 10, 2024

5.0

Check up

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December 04, 2024

5.0

Felt confident with treatment plan. Everything was explained to me.

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December 04, 2024

5.0

Surgery and post surgery care are great. No complications.

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December 03, 2024

5.0

While I do not have a complicated issue, he is good and I trust him

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December 03, 2024

5.0

His expertise - I knew I was in good in hands

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December 03, 2024

5.0

Mental + Physical + Health with Dr Merk and his PA

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December 03, 2024

5.0

Experienced and confident. Most professional.

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November 30, 2024

4.0

very professional seems to know what he's doing

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November 26, 2024

5.0

good communication skills (He keeps trying to manage this patients expectations which is motivating her to work even harder)

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November 20, 2024

5.0

Dr. Merk reviewed my medical history and explained his impression and road going forward. I felt relieved and confident after meeting with him.

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November 19, 2024

5.0

Dr. Merk has a professional and friendly manner. He answered my questions thoroughly today as he did the last two times I met with him and his staff.

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November 17, 2024

5.0

He is soooooooo sweet and he is not bad on the eyes.

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November 13, 2024

5.0

Saw him briefly. He seemed competent. No reason to think otherwise. Had a nice manner.

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November 12, 2024

5.0

Dr Merk always explains matters well and is patient with questions. Never feel rushed and takes time to listen.

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November 12, 2024

5.0

For the reasons mentioned above, knowledgable and easy to communicate with.

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November 09, 2024

5.0

Very thorough

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November 05, 2024

5.0

Helpful, attentive, knowledgeable, and professional.

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November 03, 2024

5.0

Timely and thorough

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October 28, 2024

5.0

The surgery was fully successful

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October 27, 2024

5.0

Very professional, articulated the problem and procedure well and his confidence made me feel very comfortable with the surgery

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October 23, 2024

5.0

Dr. Merk is a knowledgeable, communicative, caring doctor.

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October 23, 2024

5.0

Very caring. Took time to explain injury.

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October 22, 2024

5.0

excellent communicator. kind. skilled.

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October 22, 2024

5.0

Good communicator Practical advice

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October 13, 2024

5.0

Good communication skills Excellent PA

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October 09, 2024

4.0

Great service Nice office Understanding physician Gentle treatment

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October 08, 2024

5.0

Dr. Merk is professional and attentive and answered all of my questions. I never felt rushed. I also had ample time with his PA who also attended the meeting with Dr. Merk.

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October 08, 2024

5.0

Treats you with respect and takes the time to explain everything

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October 06, 2024

5.0

Explains everything clearly

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October 01, 2024

5.0

Very knowledgeable and good at answering questions.

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September 29, 2024

5.0

Doctor Merk was extremely patient and explained the whole diagnosis and prescribed recovery path in great detail

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September 26, 2024

5.0

knows his stuff

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September 24, 2024

5.0

Dr. Merk explained my diagnosis using my MRI to illustrate the facts. He answered all my questions at my husband's. Just what I hoped for.

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September 24, 2024

5.0

Dr. Merk is very kind, caring and an expert in his field.

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September 22, 2024

5.0

Because I would recommend it for its excellent service.

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September 18, 2024

5.0

Great success in his surgery

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Disclosures

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.