Clinician Spotlight: Dr. Zach Merten

Zach Merten, MD, is a family physician and medical educator (adjunct assistant professor) working within the Park Nicollet System and University of Minnesota Methodist Family Medicine Residency Program. He is most passionate about caring for all age groups, education initiatives, quality improvement, primary care practice-based research, and teaching and performing ambulatory primary care procedures.

What brings you joy in practicing your specialty and why?

I enjoy the diversity that each day at the family practice office brings. Additionally, as a lifelong educator, I relish the opportunity to teach patients and their families about preventative health, managing current conditions, and handling of difficult times.

Why did you choose family medicine?

When I first considered a career in medicine, I wanted to be just like my personal family physician who took care of me during my childhood and adolescence. He, Dr. Wehseler, exemplified the impact that a clinician could have in the exam room and in the community. While I did not end up pursuing a career in rural family medicine, I still consider the important impact that I can have on patients and medical learners that I work with on a daily basis.

What advice would you give to yourself as a physician just starting out?

Pursue the extra things that make you happy. There will be seemingly endless opportunities to grow in your role, reputation, and scope of practice.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time outdoors enjoying all Minnesota seasons and activities with my wife, two kids, and golden retriever. I am also a Peloton and podcast fanatic and would be happy to chat about my favorite Peloton instructors or recent podcast recommendations.

What are your key messages when teaching residents clinical care?

The art of medicine encompasses combining and reconciling patient goals and preferences, the latest research, and one's clinical expertise. It is a fine balance that even master clinicians continue working on.

What are you particularly proud of as you consider your clinical career so far?

I am proudest of the resident and student teaching awards that I have received.

What do you hope to achieve in the years to come?

I hope to expand my role in local, regional, and national advocacy efforts to improve community health of my patients and clinical experience of my medical learners.