Asif Merchant, MD, FACP, CPE, CMD
Candidate - Secretary
Candidate Bio
Dr. Asif Merchant is a highly accomplished and dedicated medical professional with a diverse and extensive background in the field of medicine. Graduating from Bombay University after completing his medical school training at K J Somaiya Medical College, Dr. Merchant went on to pursue further education and training in the United States.
He completed his Internal Medicine residency and Geriatric Medicine fellowship at North Shore University and Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York, solidifying his expertise in these critical areas of healthcare. Additionally, Dr. Merchant pursued a fellowship in Medical Education from Harvard School of Medicine, showcasing his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and education.
Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric, and Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine, Dr. Merchant is recognized for his comprehensive skill set. He holds the esteemed title of a certified medical director (CMD) and is a fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), demonstrating his commitment to the highest standards of professional excellence. He is a Certified Physician Executive (C.P.E) with strong entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
Currently serving as the Chief of Geriatrics and Extended Care Network at Newton Wellesley Hospital, Dr. Merchant is also a Partner at New England Community Medical Services, a specialized medical provider group focusing on post-acute care services. His role as a Medical Director of several nursing homes and a hospice in the Boston area underlines his dedication to providing quality healthcare services to the elderly population.
Dr. Merchant has been actively involved in academia, holding a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School and currently serving as an Associate Clinical Professor at Tufts School of Medicine. He has contributed significantly to medical literature with several publications to his credit, showcasing his commitment to advancing medical knowledge.
A prominent figure in the medical community, Dr. Merchant chairs the Geriatrics Committee of the Massachusetts Medical Society and is involved in various committees at the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association
Dr. Merchant's expertise has gained him recognition in the media, having been interviewed by major news outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, The Washington Post, Boston Globe, and the Boston Herald. In September 2020, he was appointed to Governor Baker’s Advisory group for COVID-19 Vaccination in Massachusetts, showcasing his commitment to public health during challenging times.
With over two decades of active membership, Dr. Merchant has been an integral part of AMDA (American Medical Directors Association). He played a pivotal role in reviving the Massachusetts chapter of AMDA, which has now grown into the Greater New England Society of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (GNES), covering Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. As a Past President of GNES, Dr. Merchant has contributed significantly to the organization's growth.
Dr. Merchant's involvement with AMDA extends beyond local chapters; he has served on various committees, including the physician competencies committee, quality metrics committee, state-based advocacy, and the public policy committee. His active participation as an AMDA representative on numerous technical panels reflects his dedication to shaping healthcare policies and standards at a national level.
Candidate Statement
Dear Esteemed Members of AMDA,
I am honored to announce my candidacy for the Secretary position on the Board of Directors of AMDA - The Society of Post Acute and Long-Term Care. With a rich history spanning over two decades of association with AMDA, including dedicated service on committees such as the Physician Competencies Committee, Quality Metrics Committee, and State-based Advocacy and Public Policy Committee, I bring a profound understanding of AMDA's legacy and an unwavering commitment to its future direction.
Empowering Excellence, Inspiring Innovation: A Future-Forward AMDA
If elected as Secretary, I will work towards establishing AMDA as a pioneer in post-acute and long-term care, positioned at the forefront of progress and excellence. My commitment to this vision is deeply rooted in insights gained from over 20 years of clinical practice in Long Term Care, Assisted Living, running a Geriatric Medicine Division, and managing my group practice, not to mention my association with AMDA and a hands-on role in shaping its trajectory through committee service.
Why I Should Be Elected:
I bring to the role a unique blend of experience and a track record of success in multiple post-acute care businesses. This, coupled with my extensive service on key AMDA committees, positions me as the ideal candidate to lead as Secretary. Here are key reasons why I believe I am the right choice for this position:
- Leadership Experience: Having successfully managed multiple businesses in the post-acute space, I understand the complexities of the industry and can leverage this experience to guide AMDA towards new heights.
- Commitment to AMDA's Mission: My long-standing association with AMDA and active involvement in various committees demonstrates my unwavering dedication to the organization's mission. I am not just a candidate; I am a passionate advocate for AMDA's values and goals.
- Advocacy and Collaboration: My role as the sole Post Acute Care physician in the Governor's Council for COVID-19 and State Department’s Reopening of nursing homes in Massachusetts underscores my commitment to advocacy and collaboration. I will bring this fervor to AMDA, ensuring our collective voice is heard.
- Strategic Vision: I am committed to strategically positioning AMDA for the future. My vision includes innovative approaches to membership growth, financial sustainability, and the continual elevation of professional standards.
Key Focus Areas:
Membership Expansion:
Attracting New Physicians and Practitioners: I will champion initiatives to attract a diverse range of healthcare professionals to our community. By showcasing the unique value proposition AMDA offers, we will position ourselves as the go-to resource for post-acute and long-term care expertise.
Financial Strength:
Building a Robust Financial Foundation: I am dedicated to ensuring the financial stability of AMDA. By implementing sound fiscal strategies and exploring innovative revenue streams, we will secure the resources needed to support our mission and vision.
Commitment to Excellence:
Elevating Professional Standards: Leveraging my experience on AMDA committees and my role in advocating for certified medical directors in Massachusetts, I will drive efforts to enhance professional standards. By collaborating with relevant stakeholders and advocating for certification, we will fortify the credibility and expertise of our members.
Collaboration and Advocacy:
Strengthening Partnerships: My extensive collaboration with hospitals, state health departments, medical societies, and post-acute care organizations positions me to foster even stronger partnerships. Together, we can amplify our collective voice and influence policies that positively impact post-acute care.
- Innovation and Education:
Harnessing Technology and Knowledge: I will lead initiatives to embrace technological advancements and educational opportunities. By staying at the forefront of innovation, AMDA will continue to be a hub of cutting-edge information, ensuring our members are equipped to deliver exceptional care.
Conclusion:
Together, let us embark on a journey to propel AMDA into a future where excellence knows no bounds. With your support, we will attract, retain, and empower a diverse community of healthcare professionals, driving positive change in the post-acute and long-term care landscape.
I am excited about the possibility of serving as your Secretary and contributing to the continued success of AMDA.