Education

Backed by more than 45 years of experience, Frederick Bannister Merk, PhD, has established himself as a top-tier medical educator in the state of Massachusetts. Dr. Merk’s contributions have greatly benefited the students whom he has instructed and the faculty whom he has worked alongside at the Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM). Having joined the university in 1973, Dr. Merk’s passion for the advancement of medical knowledge helped fuel his ascension up the success ladder. Today, he holds the title of Associate Professor Emeritus of Pathology, an honor bestowed upon him in 2002. Since the early 1970s, he has served TUSM in various roles, including as an associate professor in the Department of Pathology, associate professor in the Department of Anatomy, a part-time teacher of anatomy and pathology, and director of the pathology department’s Research Electron Microscopy Facility. His educational background includes degrees from two highly respected institutions: Harvard College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1958, and Boston University, where he obtained a PhD in 1971. Shortly after the acquisition of a doctorate degree, Dr. Merk began to work as an assistant professor of pathology for the Boston University School of Medicine in 1973.

Dr. Merk’s achievements include innovative research on the biology of cells in target organs responding to hormones with emphasis on benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement) and prostate cancer. Passionate about his chosen medical discipline, Dr. Merk has maintained affiliation with the American Society of Cell Biology, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology and the American Association of Anatomists. Additionally, Dr. Merk has held memberships with the Microscopy Society of America, the Boston Cancer Research Association and Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society. Dr. Merk also contributes to his community through several civic organizations, such as the Grace United Methodist Church and National Audubon Society, as well as the Frederick and Paula Anna Markus Foundation.

Since entering the field, Dr. Merk has been recognized for his hard work, dedication and significant contributions. At TUSM, he was the recipient of 17 citations from graduating classes for excellence in teaching and four citations as outstanding teacher of the year in the basic sciences. In addition, he received the Distinguished Career in Teaching award in 2002.

For a detailed look at Dr. Merk’s research, please visit: profiles.med.tufts.edu/profiles/display/136327.

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