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Dr. Douglas Merkel, MD

Dr. Douglas Merkel, MD

Medical Oncology*
40+ years of experience

Dr. Douglas Merkel, MD is a medical oncologist in Evanston, IL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 1981. He is affiliated with medical facilities Northshore University Healthsystem Evanston Hospital and Swedish Hospital. He is accepting new patients.

4.6 Star Rating
Based on 18 reviews 4.6 Star Rating (18 reviews)

Practice

2650 Ridge Ave Evanston, IL 60201

Make an Appointment

(847) 570-2112

Hospital Highlight

Dr. Merkel is affiliated with Northshore University Healthsystem Evanston Hospital Evanston, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Merkel specializes in the areas of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology & Oncology. • See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. • See reviews
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ • See hospitals
  • Hospital Satisfaction
    Patients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. • See hospitals
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Dr. Merkel's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Merkel

4.6
18 ratings, 9 with a written review
5 star
89%
89%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
11%
11%

Your trust is our top concern.

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Breast oncologist
Dr. Merkel has been my breast cancer oncologist for 4 years now. I feel very confident in his care. He is knowledgeable, caring, patient, understanding patient fears, up to date on research and experienced. My first, hopefully my last, experience with cancer treatment and happy with the continuous followups every 3 months. Would not want any other doctor. The staff at Kellogg at Glenbrook and Evanston are professional and kind. He personally responds to North Shore connect messages within 24 hours. Also lets you know test results with comments.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Adrienne – Dec 24, 2024
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Trusted leader for your successful health journey
A voice of reason and confidence. Trusting and kind. Takes the time to answer all your questions. Since his expertise and experience speaks for itself, I just trusted his guidance and took his advise. If you are looking for experienced guidance on your journey, trust in him.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
14yr survivor – Aug 19, 2024
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Dr. Merkel treated my cancer over almost 30 years ago. Since that time I have seen both of our children graduate from high school and college, I’ve danced at my daughter’s wedding and experienced the joy of holding two grandchildren in my arms. Dr. Merkel is highly intelligent, experienced, trustworthy and exudes kindness.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Kathy Coffman in Barrington , IL – Oct 08, 2019
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I met three oncologists in spring 2018 and chose Dr. Merkel because of his listening skills and calm, wise manner. He is open to questions- even about emerging therapies and whether they would apply to me. He never said ‘trust me’ to shut down my concerns. He explains the why & how, and has given me articles to read when I’m struggling to integrate the realities. Merkel is also tall and lanky, and much cuter than that picture. ; ) I recommend him whole heartedly.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Atomic blonde in Chicago, IL – Feb 16, 2019
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In 2011 I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer and was referred by a good friend to Dr. Merkel at North Shore hospital. I couldn't be happier with the care I received. Dr. Merkel is extremely smart, caring, and humble.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Costa Mesa, CA – Sep 28, 2016
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I am an OB-Gyn nurse practitioner who is dealing with a local recurrence of breast cancer. As someone who has been educated and worked in Ivy League east coast medical centers as a healthcare provider I can tell you Dr. Merkel is an expert in every aspect of current treatment. He is brilliant, accessible and compassionate. When my recent biopsy came back with a recurrence he called me as soon as he got the result. I know in my heart he wants me to get better.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
SuzCRNP in Downers Grove, IL – Sep 01, 2016
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There are not enough words to express the confidence that I have in Dr. Merkel. He and his Higland Park staff were absolute angels as I was going through treatment. Dr Merkel listens, provides honest feedback / answers and has a way of relaying information, that is not always easy to hear as a patient, in a calming manner. I have absolute faith and trust in his experience and expertise. I can't imagine having gone through this with any other Doctor.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jul 01, 2016
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This Doctor has the worst communication skills. He has no Empathy! If you want to LIVE do not go to this Doctor. He does not keep up with the latest and greatest in medicine and treatments.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
ABP in Chicago, IL – May 11, 2016
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As a BC survivor I appreciate Dr. Merkel's calm manner and dry sense of humor. Nothing ever phased him as I struggled with treatment effects, and that helped calm me. He answers each and ever question no matter how basic. I wants his patients to understand his treatment methods which are evidence based,but he isn't opposed to complimentary medicine so long as it doesn't interfere with the chosen treatment regime. 6 years later, I know his approach works, and best of all, I survived! Thanks!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Rockford, IL – Mar 29, 2016
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Leave a review

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Know Before You Go

About Me

Watch Dr. Merkel's Video

biography

Dr. Douglas Merkel, MD is a medical oncologist in Evanston, IL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 1981. He is affiliated with medical facilities Northshore...read more

  • Medical Oncology

  • Internal Medicine

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital Medical School

    Residency Hospital

  • University Tex Health Science Center

    Fellowship Hospital, 1988

  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital|northwestern Memorial Hospital Medical School

    Internship Hospital, 1982

  • Northwestern University Feinberg School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1981
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Internal Medicine®
- 
Internal Medicine
- 
Medical Oncology
American Board of Medical Specialties
- 
Oncology†
†Self designated 
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

Learn more about medical license public record check

Focus on Breast Cancer

Locations

Practice

Northshore University Health System2650 Ridge Ave Evanston, IL 60201
1

Practice

Glenbrook Ambulatory Care Center (Acc)2180 Pfingsten Rd Glenview, IL 60026
2

Practice

Northshore Glenbrook Hospital2100 Pfingsten Rd Glenview, IL 60026
3

Practice

Highland Park Primary Care757 Park Ave W Ste 1810 Highland Park, IL 60035
4

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Northshore University Healthsystem Evanston Hospital

    2650 Ridge Ave
    Evanston, IL 60201
    Recipient of 17
    hospital awards

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    87%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    3% higher than the national average

    78%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    2% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • Swedish Hospital

    5145 N California Ave
    Chicago, IL 60625
    Recipient of 1
    hospital award

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2024)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    82%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    2% lower than the national average

    77%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    1% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality