My conversation with Dr. merchant was most valuable and meaningful to express his deep concern about myself and the medical situation that he is part of helping me to get through. I felt more relief when I left his office.

March 27, 2024

Dr. Merchant answered a variety of question and even printed off a research study to provide extra learning. It was a great experience.

February 23, 2024

Good listening skills, very friendly, explained things in a manner that spoke to me on a level I could understand, showed compassion, and wants to help.

February 7, 2024

He listens to every question I have and explains thoroughly without being in a hurry. He is honest and kind

January 17, 2024

Dr. Merchant is a very patient, compassionate doctor who is always generous with his time. At my appointments, I always feel that he thoroughly answers all of my questions, and I never feel rushed during my appointments. I have great confidence in his decisions regarding my health care.

January 5, 2024

We are extremely pleased and satisfied with all aspects of the care that this provider,as well as others at McFarland have given us.

December 14, 2023

Dr. Merchant is wonderful and I am glad he is my doctor. He truly cares.

December 5, 2023

Dr. Merchant is always professional but also personable. I've worked with him for 9 years now, and I feel I''m in good hands.

November 20, 2023

Dr. Merchant is a great person and a wonderful oncologist. He is very compassionate and concerned about me and my condition. He has basically saved my life and I am very grateful to him. I will continue to see him for my cancer as long as I can.

November 10, 2023

Dr. Merchant's knowledge, compassion and thoroughness is unparalleled. I feel so lucky to have him as my oncologist. He is a treasure to us all.

October 16, 2023

He is informative, kind and honest with me. I NEVER feel rushed when asking my questions. He honors and respects my feelings and concerns, regarding my cancer. I feel like he is my lifeline through this process.

October 10, 2023

He listened carefully and spent time answering our questions.

September 8, 2023

Dr. Merchant has taken great care of me for a long time. I would highly recommend him as your cancer care provider. I'm very grateful to have him manage my illness.

September 6, 2023

Dr. Merchant is very caring about his patients. And is always there to listen and to make sure his patients understands everything.

August 24, 2023

Great doctor...I have highly recommended him more than once!

August 8, 2023

I'm delighted with the new oncology department at McFarland Clinic (Marshalltown). Patients will no longer have to travel to Ames for chemo!

July 18, 2023

I so appreciate and value Dr. Merchant’s care he gives and his medical knowledge. He has a tremendous memory of both my personal and medical past. I trust him with my life.

July 13, 2023

Dr. Merchant provided great care; he was thorough and direct in investigating my situation. His knowledge and understanding of the cultural aspects of my situation was appropriate and appreciated. He took the time I needed to address the matter. He did not rush or brush me off.

July 4, 2023

Dr. Merchant is very respectful and kind to my father in law who is 93 and very hard if hearing. I like how he interjects some humor into his conversation with him , too. He is a good listener and answers any questions that we have concerning lab tests or treatment options.

June 5, 2023

Dr Merchant is absolutely the best. Kind, thorough..he is compassionate and hears what I say. He doesn’t make me feel odd for asking questions or rushed like he has to keep going fast.

May 25, 2023

Es una persona muy Responsable con su trabajo muy humano apesar de tener mucho trabajo siempre está de vuen umor y cuan tiene que yamar la atención para concientisar a un paciente en los cuidados que debe tener el paciente

May 2, 2023

Dr. Merchant is very caring, thorough and I have great confidence in him!

April 23, 2023

Dr Merchant explained the situation very professionally and in terms we could easily understand.

April 13, 2023

Dr Merchant has been my oncologist since 2018. I absolutely adore him, and I trust the healthcare plan he has set in motion for me since day 1. He's always kind and courteous, and very knowledgeable about my situation, and if he doesn't know something he seeks out the answers. I love the fact that he will hug us patients and let us know that he cares. That's the one thing I really like about him is his empathy for his patients. His nursing staff is super awesome as well. I adore every one of those girls, and they do a wonderful job with us patients. They're hard-working, kind, and very knowledgeable about their jobs. I give props to all of his team!

March 29, 2023

About

Medical Interests

Clinical Trials

Joined McFarland Clinic

August 2002

Education & Professional Certification

Certifications

Diplomate - American Board of Internal Medicine
Certified as a Diplomate in Hematology
Certified as a Diplomate in Medical Oncology

Education

University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN

BA, 1983-1987

University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA

MD, 1988-1992

Residency

University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA, 1993-1996

Internal Medicine

Fellowship

University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison, WI

Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology, 1999-2002

Professional Societies

American College of Physicians
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American Society of Hematology
Iowa Medical Society
Story County Medical Society

Professional & Personal Interests

Leadership Roles

Vice President - Iowa Oncology Society
Principal Investigator - Cooperative group trials, Bliss Cancer Center
Member, McFarland Clinic Board of Directors
Department Chair, McFarland Clinic Ames Oncology
Member, McFarland Clinic Quality Council
McFarland Clinic Cancer Committee, Mary Greeley Medical Center

Hobbies and Personal Interests

Youth soccer coaching/volunteering

Community Involvement

Past president, Ames Soccer Club
Iowa Oncology Society

Joseph Merchant, MD

Primary Clinic

William R. Bliss Cancer Center

Also Sees Patients In

Dallas County Hospital

Jefferson Office

Marshalltown Office

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Patient Testimonials