Dr. Nipun B. Merchant

Dr. Nipun B. Merchant, MD, is a highly accomplished surgical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal malignancies, particularly pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers. He serves as Director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and holds the position of Professor and Chair of the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Merchant earned his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed his general surgery residency and surgical oncology fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he subsequently served on faculty for nearly two decades prior to joining the University of Miami.

Dr. Merchant is internationally known for his expertise in complex surgical procedures for pancreatic, liver, and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as for his translational research in tumor biology and therapeutic resistance. His scientific work has focused on molecular signaling pathways, biomarkers of treatment response, and mechanisms of tumor progression. He has published extensively in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and has led numerous clinical and laboratory-based research projects aimed at improving survival and outcomes for patients with aggressive GI cancers.

In addition to his clinical and scientific leadership, Dr. Merchant is a devoted mentor and academic leader. He has helped shape surgical training programs and fostered multidisciplinary collaboration across cancer specialties. Known for his thoughtful surgical approach and patient-first philosophy, he has received multiple recognitions for excellence in teaching, clinical care, and innovation. Through his leadership in gastrointestinal oncology, translational science, and academic development, Dr. Merchant continues to drive progress in cancer treatment and care delivery.