Originally from Syracuse, NY, Dr. Dan Mertens graduated from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997, concurrently completing a master’s degree in neuropathology in1993. After completing a one-year rotating internship at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, VA, he went on to complete his surgical residency at Cornell University in 2001.

Immediately following his residency, Dr. Mertens joined the faculty at Texas A&M University as an assistant professor on the orthopedic service. In addition to his clinical duties, his responsibilities included lecturing to veterinary students, supervising fourth year veterinary student clinical rotations, and training interns and residents. In 2006, he made the switch to general surgical private practice at a busy, multi-specialty referral hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. There, he developed a strong reputation for taking care of his patients and clients with equal attentiveness. Dr. Mertens served as medical director of the hospital for the last ten years. In 2019, he started a surgical internship program, enthusiastic to carry his love of teaching into his private practice environment. A number of his interns have gone on to complete residencies and achieve board certification. He coordinated with local high schools to provide externships to health and agriculture science students, welcoming over 30 students in the last four years. Dr. Mertens has numerous publications including articles and book chapters and has lectured extensively both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Mertens considers Atlantic Canada his adopted home. His wife, Michelle, is from Antigonish, and they have spent a large amount of time in the Maritime region since marrying in 2002. Their daughter is currently a student at Dalhousie University. After twenty years in Charlotte, Dr. Mertens and his wife were ready to return home to friends and family.