Dr. Christopher Merrick, MD

Media Releases

Healing Beyond Hospital Walls: A New Model for Post-Discharge Care in Colorado Springs

In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility, Christopher Merrick, MD, a board-certified and fellowship-trained pulmonologist, proudly announces the launch of the Pikes Peak Discharge Clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Co-founded with Dr. Sridhar Reddy, this clinic aims to bridge the care gap for patients transitioning from hospital or nursing facility discharge to their primary care provider.

Dr. Merrick, who also serves as a Partner at Pulmonary Associates, P.C., holds multiple leadership positions at Memorial Hospital, including Respiratory Therapy Medical Director, Medical ICU Director, and Elect Chief of Staff. With a commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Merrick states, “My primary drive in medicine is connection. I enjoy connecting with patients, families, and healthcare team members. As a partner in my practice, I have come to fully appreciate the importance of democratic physician practice management. Connection brings us together—we work around those issues that drive us apart to accomplish a common goal.”

The Pikes Peak Discharge Clinic was founded out of concern for patients’ challenges in accessing care immediately after discharge. Often, this ‘gap’ period is fraught with uncertainty and questions. The clinic provides a dedicated space where individuals can receive timely assistance, ensuring they are not left to navigate their health concerns alone. The experienced team emphasizes a holistic approach, addressing both medical and emotional needs.

Dr. Merrick graduated with his Medical Degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Duke University Hospital, followed by a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 

With triple board certification in pulmonary disease, internal medicine, and critical care medicine, Dr. Merrick has established himself as a leader in the field. Since moving to Colorado Springs in 2018, he has dedicated himself to improving patient safety and quality of care, serving individuals throughout Colorado and western Kansas. He chose Colorado Springs for its lower humidity, sunny skies, and outdoor opportunities for his family. “My wife and I plan to call Colorado Springs home for years to come,” he says.

The Pikes Peak Discharge Clinic stands ready to support patients in their transitional care needs, reinforcing Dr. Merrick’s vision of connection and communication as the foundation of effective healthcare.

Recommended Articles

• 6 Secrets of Thriving with CF

  Thriving with cystic fibrosis (CF) means more than just surviving. It means truly learning to live an everyday life of fullness and wellbeing, despite having CF. While the average life expectancy of someone in the U.S. with CF may be thirty-seven, one can learn to manage the difficult symptoms,...

• What Is Pleurisy: Get the Facts

  What is pleurisy?The pleural membrane is a very thin membrane that surrounds your lungs. It has two layers:...

• Differentiating Croup from Asthma

  Croup and asthma are two conditions that involve organs, which are responsible for breathing. Since both conditions affect the respiratory system, it is highly advisable to learn their differences to be able to approach each condition properly.What Is Croup?Croup is typically caused by a virus. It...

• The History of Muscular Dystrophy

  What is muscular dystrophy?Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder, which is often characterized by a progressive type of muscular degeneration and weakness. There are several types of muscular dystrophy, wherein each type eventually leads to an increased disability, strength loss, and potential...

• Alternative Treatments for Lung Cancer

  Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma is characterized by a malignant lung tumor caused by an uncontrolled growth of cells in tissues of the lungs. There are two main types of lung cancers-small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. It is widely known that lung cancer is the most...

• How Does Pneumonia Develop?

  Pneumonia is a disease that affects the lungs due to an infection caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus. Pneumonia can either affect the left, right, or both lobes of the lungs.Pneumonia is a serious disease affecting people of any age. However, toddlers and young children are more affected by...