I admire Dr. Merchant’s knowledge and appreciate his thorough and kind evaluation and explanation. I trust him completely and have encouraged many others to follow up with him.

May 30, 2025

Dr Merchant always takes time to answer all of my questions. I never feel rushed and he’s interested in my overall health. I highly recommend him.

April 30, 2025

Dr Merchant is the most amazing doctor. He never makes a visit feel rushed, always answers questions and clearly cares about his patients and loves his job. Great doctor!

March 28, 2025

Dr Merchant always takes all the time I need to answer my questions. He has been my rock through cancer treatment. He always allays my fears and is honest with me

February 14, 2025

Dr. Merchant is a wonderful caring doctor. He takes very good care of me!

January 21, 2025

I was very pleased with the interest in knowing our family history and explanations of the significance of our individual test results. He took as much time as we needed.

December 5, 2024

It’s nice to be able to go into a doctors office and be able to laugh and also have a sense of self worth. I was able to have these things with Dr. Merchant. I really like this doctor and am glad he is my doctor.

November 26, 2024

Dr Merchant has always treated with professionalism and respect. I trust him to guide me down the right care tract.

October 15, 2024

Dr. Merchant was very thorough and compassionate. Also, I didn't have to wait very long to see him. Nurse Deborah was very good as well.

October 3, 2024

I'm very grateful for other people being super smart in ways that I'm not smart so we can tackle complicated things like cancer. Thanks for all the reading, studying, testing, certifying, and learning you've ever done to get to the point where you can take care of me and others.

September 20, 2024

Dr. Merchant has taken care of me for a number of years now. He has done an exceptional job! He is very kind and caring, and he tends to my needs, and if he can't he will schedule me with a specialist right fast to take care of it. He's a huge asset to McFarland clinic and I would highly recommend him!

September 18, 2024

Dr. Merchant is a very good Dr. He explains things thoroughly to where you can understand it. All of the staff in the cancer clinic are amazing I couldn't ask for a better care team.

August 31, 2024

I love Dr. Merchant and the staff. They put your wellbeing first. They take the time to answer all your questions. I can't express how thankful I am to have them in my treatment team. I'm so thankful and blessed.

July 25, 2024

Dr. Merchant is awesome. Always honest and caring. He listens to me!!! I trust him completely and would recommend him to everyone.

July 12, 2024

He was great. Honest, friendly, knowledgeable. I felt very comfortable talking to him about myself. Will enjoy working with him in the future.

June 24, 2024

Dr. Merchant provided a thorough review of all testing, symptom status and future follow up needed. His medical expertise and kind demeanor always provide patient knowledge and comfort.

May 31, 2024

Dr. Merchant is very knowledgeable and thorough, taking the necessary time with the patient to hear, process, and act on their needs in a wise and caring manner.

May 6, 2024

Dr Merchant is always kind and caring and has taken very good care of me over the last 7 years which I appreciate greatly.

March 30, 2024

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

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

Greene County Medical Center

Marshalltown Office

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Patient Testimonials