About
Randolph V. Merrick, MD grew up on a farm near Gordonsville in Orange County, Virginia, the same community where he now practices. He attended Grymes School in Orange County and Woodberry Forest School in Madison County before heading to the University of Washington in Seattle. There he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and completed the coursework for a major in German.
Dr. Merrick earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1985. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Harrisburg Hospital, now part of Pennsylvania State University Health Sciences. He first achieved board certification in Family Medicine in 1988 and holds a Fellowship in the American Academy of Family Physicians. Alongside his clinical work, he holds certification in laser therapy (photobiomodulation) and serves as treasurer on the Board of Directors of the North American Association of Photobiomodulation. He has lectured on the clinical applications of laser therapy at national and international conferences. Dr. Merrick teaches as Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University. He also founded and leads the Orange County Free Clinic. His awards include the Virginia Academy of Family Physicians Family Physician of the Year for Virginia (2001), the Family Physician Volunteer of the Year (2010), the VCU School of Medicine Outstanding Teachers Award (2011), and an Excellence Award in Clinical Practice in laser therapy presented in Toronto, Canada (2011).
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Washington, Seattle – B.S. Zoology (cum laude); minor requirements completed in German language
Medical School
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (1985)
Residency
Family Medicine, Harrisburg Hospital (now part of Pennsylvania State University Health Sciences)
Additional Training
Certified in Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation); Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Merrick right for?
Dr. Merrick works well with adults and families across Orange County who want a long-term, relationship-based primary care physician. Patients managing chronic conditions like COPD, asthma, or diabetes benefit from his close monitoring approach. He also serves patients seeking weight loss support and personalized lifestyle counseling. Those dealing with pain or inflammatory conditions may find his certified laser therapy skills particularly relevant. Families can add dependent children ages 10 to 21 to an existing plan at a low monthly rate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Merrick focuses on family medicine with particular depth in COPD, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and chronic illness management. He also delivers laser therapy (photobiomodulation) for qualifying conditions, a specialty service not widely available in primary care settings. His clinical scope also includes weight loss management and personalized lifestyle counseling.
Yes. Dr. Merrick holds board certification in Family Medicine, first earned in 1988. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and holds a separate certification in laser therapy (photobiomodulation).
Photobiomodulation, also called laser therapy, uses specific wavelengths of light to support tissue healing and reduce inflammation. Dr. Merrick holds a professional certification in this therapy and serves as treasurer on the Board of Directors of the North American Association of Photobiomodulation. He has lectured on its clinical applications at national and international conferences.
Dr. Merrick earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1985. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Harrisburg Hospital, now part of Pennsylvania State University Health Sciences. He currently teaches as Assistant Clinical Professor at VCU's Department of Family Medicine.
Yes. The Virginia Academy of Family Physicians named Dr. Merrick Family Physician of the Year for Virginia in 2001 and Family Physician Volunteer of the Year in 2010. VCU School of Medicine honored him with the Outstanding Teachers Award in 2011. That same year, he received an Excellence Award in Clinical Practice in laser therapy in Toronto, Canada.
Yes. Dr. Merrick founded and serves as president of the Orange County Free Clinic, extending primary care access to underserved residents in his community. He also teaches family medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University as an Assistant Clinical Professor.
Dr. Merrick provides care for patients across a broad age range. His family medicine background covers adults and older adolescents. The practice adds dependent children ages 10 to 21 to a parent's membership for $25 per month each.
Yes. Dr. Merrick offers 24/7 access to members via phone, email, and text messaging for straightforward health questions and concerns. Office hours run Monday through Friday, with varying closing times each day.
Doctor profile last updated August 16, 2026