Dr. Merchant is currently an Associate Professor of Surgery in the Department of Surgery at New Jersey Medical School, as well as the Interim Division Chief of General Surgery and Acute Care Surgery. His clinical expertise and areas of interest include minimally invasive surgery and Robotic surgery, advanced laparoscopy, Heartburn/Reflux Surgery, Swallowing difficulties, all types of Hernias, Emergency General Surgery, General surgery, Surgical simulation and education, and health disparities. His research interests revolve around his clinical interests, and include surgical outcomes, patient-centered outcomes, quality improvement, health disparities, and cost-effectiveness research. 
    
Dr. Merchant completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago with a focus in Biochemistry, followed by medical school at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. His surgical residency was at Georgetown University, and he completed his fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery and Advanced GI surgery at Emory University in Atlanta. He is the Surgeon Champion of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program at University Hospital in Newark and serves on several national level committees in national surgical societies.