Description
Meet Tyler Merrill, M.D. He is an ear, nose, and throat surgeon at UAMS Health, who specializes in advanced endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery. In this video, Dr. Merrill shares what inspired him to pursue ENT, the conditions he commonly treats including chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, rhinitis, sinonasal and pituitary tumors, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks and how minimally invasive techniques can make a powerful difference in patients’ quality of life. Dr. Merrill also highlights what makes UAMS Health unique: a collaborative, multidisciplinary team working alongside top neurosurgeons to provide some of the most advanced skull base care in Arkansas. As one of the only fellowship-trained rhinologists in the state, he welcomes second opinions and is dedicated to helping patients find relief when they thought none was possible. Learn more about his approach to care and the passion that drives him both in the clinic and at home with his young family.
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Transcript
My name is Tyler Merrill. I’m an ear, nose, and throat surgeon here at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and I specialize in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery.
What inspired me to specialize in ENT was the profound impact we can have on people’s quality of life and longevity.
As an endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeon, some of the most common conditions I see include rhinitis (runny nose), chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and really any sinonasal obstruction that patients are dealing with.
As a skull base surgeon, I also treat patients with sinonasal tumors, pituitary tumors, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
What makes working at UAMS special—at least in my area of medicine—is the ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary way with providers across our university. We treat complex sinonasal tumors and skull base tumors, and I’m able to work with neurosurgeons who are at the top of their field.
In fact, I believe we are one of the only places in Arkansas offering endoscopic skull base surgery. We truly have a team dedicated to treating these conditions effectively.
The most rewarding part of my work is helping people overcome symptoms they previously thought they had no opportunity for relief from. Some of the most meaningful patient interactions I have are with individuals who were told elsewhere that nothing could be done. They find our clinic, come to see us, and we’re able to offer relief from symptoms they thought they would have to live with permanently.
As one of the only fellowship-trained rhinologists in the state, I’m always happy to see patients for a second opinion. If you think you have something going on in your sinuses or your nose and would like another evaluation, I’m more than happy to provide a thorough exam and discuss your options moving forward.
Outside of work, most of my free time is spent with my three young children—four and under. My wife is an anesthesiologist here at UAMS, so when we’re not working, we spend our time playing with our kids and doing whatever fun activities our toddlers come up with.
