Clinical Assistant Professor
Education
Biography
Dr. Richard Merrill entered nursing at Children’s of Alabama working in the pediatric intensive care unit before earning a direct commission and serving a total of 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. During his service demonstrated broad leadership acumen in neonatal, obstetrical, pediatric, and flight nursing. In his final assignment, he held the position of Chief Nurse Executive for the 501st Combat Support Wing, based at Royal Air Force Alconbury, United Kingdom.
Dr. Merrill earned a Master of Nursing Science and a Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner (acute care and primary care). Dr. Merrill has held various clinical and executive leadership positions throughout his military career with expertise in medical ethics, disaster management, education and training, readiness exercise evaluation, resilience, preceptor development, and aircrew training and standardization. Dr. Merrill and his wife, Elizabeth, enjoy sharing adventures with their three children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and grandson.