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Karissa Merritt, DO

I was born and raised in Saint Joseph, Missouri, where I knew from a young age that I was passionate about people and their care. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a minor in astronomy from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. From there, I decided to pursue medicine at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, where my education was Christ-, service-, and compassion-centered. I feel strongly that those values drove my education and hope to have them drive my residency experience and future practice.

For now (and at least the next 3 years), I live in Ozark, Missouri, with my partner, Seth. He and I have two precious dogs, Oden and Henry. I exercise frequently, mostly Crossfit and hot yoga. My other interests include adventuring in the Ozarks and across the world, spending time with friends and family, and a having a good piece (or three) of pizza. Professionally, I am passionate about wellness, access to quality food as preventive health care, and addressing socioeconomic barriers to care. I also am particularly interested in mental health in primary care.

For me, family medicine is the perfect mixture of pathology, procedures and people. I am very excited to be a part of the amazing CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency family. I feel lucky and empowered to be surrounded by others who love medicine, love people, and want to see each other do well. During my time at CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency, I look forward to growing as a physician, a person and doing my best to serve Springfield, Missouri, and the surrounding area!