Donor Spotlight: Duly Health and Care Featuring Paul Merrick, M.D.

Dr. Paul Merrick, a board-certified and renowned urologist, serves as the Co-Chairman of the Board and Chief Physician Executive of Duly Health and Care, one of the largest independent, multi-specialty physician groups in the nation. In his role, Dr. Merrick leads the Board and physicians in their goal of making healthcare better for patients and communities by offering high quality and compassionate care. He ensures that Duly’s physician-driven approach continues to lead to exceptional physician engagement and improved patient outcomes.

Dr. Merrick has been in practice since 1994, was a founding physician when Duly Health and Care started as DuPage Medical Group in 1999 and has been leading the physician organization since 2009. He previously served as chairman of the Urology department for 13 years; he also served as Treasurer and remains a member of the Board of Directors. Duly Health and Care is a Campaign Visionary donor is support of the Campaign for a Healthier America.

Duly Health and Care recently signed up to participate in its first AMGA Foundation national health campaign – Rise to Immunize™.  What attracted you to this Campaign and what are some specific benefits Duly Health and Care is receiving?

We are happy to support the AMGA Foundation’s Rise to Immunize campaign. We know based on CDC reports that people in the U.S. are behind on vaccinations, especially children. At Duly Health and Care, we worked hard during the pandemic to ensure more than 2,800 people - in December of 2020 alone, were able to receive vaccinations for protection against COVID. And, now as we near flu season we are happy to not only support Rise to Immunize but also spread awareness about the importance of immunizations – especially for vulnerable populations of people.

AMGA Foundation works with our groups to change the trajectory of chronic disease and given the alarming increased prevalence of chronic disease and the rising costly burden, never has this work been more urgent.  How does this align with Duly Health and Care’s mission and vision?

We see the impact of chronic conditions on patients every day in our clinics. From our pulmonary patients battling Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disorder (COPD) to diabetes, hypertension and more. Providing more of the right kind of care and at the right time for these patients improves health outcomes, can reduce reoccurring hospitalizations, and slows the cost curve.

Duly Health and Care increased its giving to AMGA Foundation’s Campaign for a Healthier America aimed to impact care for 100 million patients by 2025.  Can you share why Duly Health and Care decided to invest in this endeavor?

There has perhaps never been a more critical time to support the health of our communities. We support the AMGA goal to make American Healthcare better and more affordable. We also appreciate the education and networking opportunities.