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

Dr. Merchant is extremely intelligent and provides thorough, comprehensive and compassionate cancer care. His professionalism, patience and kindness is complete and appreciated.

March 13, 2023

Took his time. Very peronable. Concerned and informative. Answered all my questions

February 28, 2023

Dr. Merchant is an excellent physician who is experienced, highly competent, very personable, efficient, and does an excellent job of patient communication regarding medical conditions and treatment.

February 13, 2023

I appreciate that Dr. Merchant takes the time to get to know me and what I do, instead of just making a medical diagnosis. He takes the time needed to make a full analysis of my current well-being.

January 19, 2023

Dr. Merchant is very thorough and takes time to discuss. I appreciate his patience and kindness.

January 17, 2023

I love Dr. Mrerchant, he explans everything so I can understand and the reception peoole and lab techs are always so up beat and helpful too.

January 10, 2023

Dr. Merchant is a very fine doctor, and he provided excellent care at my recent appointment. Dr. Merchant went over my lab work with me, he patiently listened to the feedback that I gave to him, and his plan of action was clear. I really appreciate Dr. Merchant’s personal concern for my well-being, and I feel fortunate to have such a knowledgeable, compassionate doctor on my health care team.

December 30, 2022

Takes time to listen, hears my concerns, involves me in my care. Very grateful for Dr Merchant!

December 29, 2022

Very good with explanation of what and how the treatment will help. Also what to expect in the future. Would highly recommend the doctor to anyone! Thank you very much.

December 9, 2022

Excelente mi Doctor y además Excelente como persona

November 16, 2022

We are extremely pleased with my care at the clinic. We especially appreciate Dr. Merchant's thorough explanation and professional and personal approach to my treatment.

November 15, 2022

Dr Merchant was extremely informative and thoroughly explained to me my health situation and treatment options. I felt comfortable with his recommendation and path forward.

November 15, 2022

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

Jefferson Office

Marshalltown Office

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Patient Testimonials