Hospitalist joins Cox Monett Hospital

Cox Monett is pleased to welcome Karissa Merritt, DO, to our hospitalist team.

Dr. Merritt specializes in the care of hospitalized patients.

Growing up in St. Joseph, Mo., Merritt became interested in medicine early on when she recognized the devastation that the absence of care and various social determinants of health care can cause.

“I decided to become a physician because I am passionate about science and people,” she said. “A series of doors opened that made me realize this career path is the perfect fit for me.”

In addition to clinical and evidence-based medicine, Merritt is also interested in postulation health, social contributors to health outcomes, and advocacy at both the state and national levels.

“Caring for patients in the hospital allows me to still have a role in projects related to the community’s population health,” she said. “Once I met the staff at Cox Monett, I felt it was the right place for me.”

Merritt is married to Seth, who is the “best guy she knows.” They have a new precious, snuggly daughter named Cora and a puppy named Henry.

In her spare time, Merritt enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, exercising, and reading a good fiction novel.