Practice Overview

Dr. Mertens, strives to provide the best and most comprehensive care possible for all of his rheumatology patients. His goal is to provide early and accurate rheumatologic diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans, which are crucial for providing excellent treatment outcomes, improving quality of life, and preventing long-term complications. At the same time, Dr. Mertens works to maintain a trusting, two-way relationship through patient education and addressing the personal goals of his patients in the management of rheumatologic conditions that will also encompass their lifestyles and values. Dr. Mertens also emphasizes excellent communication and coordinates his evaluations and treatment plans with other healthcare providers involved in his patient’s care.

Rheumatology is a very broad and complex field, so Dr. Mertens strives to keep up to date with the latest literature and evidence-based medicine, which has helped guide his 12+ years of clinical experience in rheumatology. In addition to his clinical experience, Dr. Mertens has 10 years of experience involved with the medical education of rheumatology fellows through the University of Minnesota, and has also completed training in the use of ultrasound technology in rheumatology.

Clinical Interest

Rheumatology, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory spondyloarthropathies, gout/pseudogout, systemic vasculitis (ANCA-associated vasculitis, giant cell arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa), inflammatory myopathies (dermatomyositis, polymyositis, necrotizing myopathies), IgG4-related disease, polymyalgia rheumatica, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, and Behcet syndrome

Dr. Mertens does not primarily manage chronic fibromyalgia, centralized pain syndromes, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/joint hypermobility, chronic fatigue syndrome, long COVID-19, degenerative/biomechanical spine disorders, or chronic non-arthritic lyme disease.

Education

Certification
Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine – Rheumatology

Fellowship
Rheumatology Fellowship, University of Minnesota

Residency
Internal Medicine Residency, University of Minnesota

Medical Degree
University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Medicine of Public Health

Professional Affiliations

American College of Rheumatology

Achievements & Awards

Top Doctor Rising Stars – Rheumatology by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine (2017, 2018, 2019)
Best Doctors – Rheumatology by Minnesota Monthly (2016, 2020)

Staff

Holly L.
Care Coordinator

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