Gia Merlo

Faculty

Gia Merlo Headshot

Gia Merlo

Clinical Professor, Nursing & Psychiatry
Senior Advisor on Wellness

1 212 998 5323

433 First Ave
New York, NY 10010
United States

Gia Merlo, MD, MBA, Med, DipABLM, FACLM is a clinical professor of nursing and Senior Advisor on Wellness, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and a fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Merlo recently published a textbook Lifestyle Nursing (Taylor & Francis/CRC Press, August 2022) that expands Lifestyle Medicine (an evidence-based approach in preventing, treating, and oftentimes, reversing chronic diseases) to Nursing. Her first book, Principles of Medical Professionalism (Oxford University Press, 2021), stresses the importance of physician wellness, the need to address the social determinants of health, as well as the need to address chronic diseases with prevention. Merlo is the Associate Editor of the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. She is a contributing author of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) curriculum Lifestyle Medicine 101 and of the board review course, Foundations to Lifestyle Medicine.

Merlo's current book projects include Medical Professionalism: Theory, Education, and Practice (Oxford University Press, expected 2023), Lifestyle Psychiatry: Through the Lens of Behavioral Medicine (Taylor & Francis/CRC Press, expected 2023), A Handbook of Lifestyle Nursing (expected 2023).

Merlo is a part of the Psychiatry Faculty Group Practice at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and sees patients at NYULangone Health Psychiatry, 1 Park Avenue, New York, NY. She completed her Master of Education in Health Professions at Johns Hopkins University School of Education in August 2022 and is currently an Adjunct Faculty at Johns Hopkins helping students in the program complete their capstone projects.

Merlo has served on the board of directors of many nonprofits over the years and is currently on the board of directors of Plant-Powered Metro of New York (PPMNY) and the advisory board of the Global Positive Health Institute (GPHI). She is chair of the Mental and Behavioral Health Member Interest Group of the ACLM. She has been involved in clinician care and medical education for nearly 30 years in professional development and mental health, particularly for healthcare professionals. 

Before joining NYU, Merlo was an associate dean of health professions at Rice University. She also taught medical students, residents, and fellows at Baylor College of Medicine, where she was a 2017-19 Master Teacher Fellow. She has served on the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

 

MD - Nagarjuna University
MBA - Temple University
MEd - John Hopkins University

Academy of Professionalism in Health Care
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American College of Lifestyle Medicine
American Medical Association
American Psychiatric Association

Master Teacher Fellowship, Baylor College of Medicine (2019)
Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women, Houston Women’s Magazine (2018)
Favorite Professor Award, Rice University Scholar Athletes (2017)
Fellowship, American Psychoanalytic Association (1997)

Emotional Wellness and Stress Resilience

Merlo, G., Nikbin, A., & Ryu, H. (2021). In Improving Women’s Health Across the Lifespan (1–, pp. 85-104). CRC Press. 10.1201/9781003110682-5
Abstract
Abstract
When physical and mental stress becomes overwhelming and prolonged, the risk for both medical and psychiatric illnesses increases. There are limitations to the pharmacological approach for treating psychiatric illness, as many major classes of psychiatric drugs create neurotransmitter imbalances, physical and psychological dependence, and undesirable side effects. While medications are necessary or helpful in many cases, there are also non-drug lifestyle strategies and mental health techniques that can help to manage stress. This chapter explores the concept of stress and how it relates to wellness, and provides practical strategies, both physiological and psychological, to manage stress and optimize long-term emotional wellness and happiness.

Happiness and Self-Care

Merlo, G. (2021). In Principles of Medical Professionalism (1–). Oxford University Press. 10.1093/med/9780197506226.003.0003
Abstract
Abstract
Happiness is more than a feeling: it refers to human flourishing and fulfilment and includes finding meaning in what we do. This chapter encourages the reader to consider what personal happiness is to them. The definition of happiness is individual for each person but can be thought of as consisting of five main factors: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments. Happiness has genetic and environmental determinants. A survey of the history of concepts of happiness is offered, including the work of the Greek philosophers, Aristotle and Epicurus. Martin Seligman’s PERMATM model, common measures of happiness, recent studies of the biological bases of happiness, the concept of the hedonic treadmill, and the value of expectation management are introduced. Finally, self-care is emphasized to manage stress and enhance overall happiness.

Lifestyle Medicine

Merlo, G. (2021). In Principles of Medical Professionalism (1–). Oxford University Press. 10.1093/med/9780197506226.003.0009
Abstract
Abstract
This chapter addresses the rise of lifestyle medicine. The impact of chronic diseases on health and quality of life are well-known within the medical community. Preventive medicine has only been partially successful in addressing these problems. For physicians to advocate healthy lifestyle choices for their patients, they must first understand what a healthy lifestyle entails. The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine outline the six main lifestyle changes—healthful eating, increasing physical activity, improving sleep, managing stress, avoiding risky substances, forming and maintaining relationships—that physicians should promote to their patients. The global public health burden of diabetes, obesity, and other lifestyle diseases is increasing at an astounding rate. However, very few training programs have robust educational offerings for physicians on nonpharmacological treatment of obesity and diabetes.

Looking to the Future

Merlo, G. (2021). In Principles of Medical Professionalism (1–). Oxford University Press. 10.1093/med/9780197506226.003.0016
Abstract
Abstract
The physician’s role is continually changing and is sure to undergo significant changes in the near future. Among many other disruptive forces, healthcare continues to become more team- and technology-based. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to be an important turning point for the medical profession. One current issue in healthcare is physicians experiencing moral distress due to conflicts between their duty as employees and their ultimate duty to patients. Other imminent changes are coming due to incorporation of technology, in particular, artificial intelligence and telehealth. These changes can be met through the process of lifelong learning, which entails a commitment to continually improve our knowledge and skills to deliver a high standard of care.

MPRO: A Professionalism Curriculum to Enhance the Professional Identity Formation of University Premedical Students

Merlo, G., Ryu, H., Harris, T. B., & Coverdale, J. (2021). Medical Education Online, 26(1). 10.1080/10872981.2021.1886224
Abstract
Abstract
Limited opportunities exist for university premedical students to gain exposure to the realities of clinical practice through physician shadowing or through a formal curriculum. Medical Professionalism and Observership utilizes didactics, reflective writing, small- and large- group discussions, and clinical observerships to enhance the process of professional identity formation during a critical developmental window of late- adolescence. The pilot semester included a sample of 135 students, all in their sophomore, junior, or senior years of study at Rice University. Students were selected through an application process and paired with physicians at Houston Methodist Hospital based on specialty preference and availability. Students were required to participate in biweekly lectures and discussions and to submit a weekly reflection on topics discussed in the course and their shadowing experiences. Student evaluations were administered to survey changes in students’ knowledge and perceptions of the curriculum. Selected reflections were read for evidence of professional identity formation. Lectures increased students’ exposure to core competencies within the medical profession and influenced their desire to become physicians. Reflective writings demonstrated integration of these core competencies into the professional identity of students. Structured reflection and didactics, when coupled with physician shadowing, appear to promote integration of the values, beliefs, and attitudes of medical professionalism. Future studies should seek to demonstrate how such a curriculum affects professional identity formation through established measures, and to assess whether such a curriculum may influence students’ preparedness for medical training and practice as they progress along their careers.

Personal Financial Considerations for Physicians

Merlo, G. (2021). In Principles of Medical Professionalism (1–). Oxford University Press. 10.1093/med/9780197506226.003.0014
Abstract
Abstract
It is often difficult for medical students to understand the extent of the educational debt that they may incur. They often struggle with managing their finances during training and after they begin to practice medicine. Students make their choice of specialty without fully considering how their decision may affect their lifestyle and their ability to pay off their loans. This has led to a serious shortage in primary-care physicians. In addition, because physicians undergo an extensive training period, they are often late in planning for and funding for their retirement. Understanding the time-value of money and being able to make informed decisions regarding repaying loans versus meeting other financial obligations are important factors to addressing this problem. Financial literacy is not being taught in medical schools and residency programs, although there is a perceived need. Developing a financial plan that involves both paying off debt and saving for retirement is usually the best course of action.

Physician Burnout: A Lifestyle Medicine Perspective

Merlo, G., & Rippe, J. (2021). American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15(2), 148-157. 10.1177/1559827620980420
Abstract
Abstract
Physician burnout, as described in North America, is a multidimensional work-related syndrome that includes emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a low sense of accomplishment from work. More than 50% of physicians were reporting symptoms of burnout prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This silent epidemic of burnout is bound to become less silent as the pandemic continues. Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based discipline that describes how daily habits and health practices can affect overall health and well-being of individuals. Lifestyle Medicine can potentially play a significant role in preventing and ameliorating physician burnout. This article explores the burnout process, including the historical context, international definitions, symptoms, and imprecision of the clinical diagnosis. The systemic etiological issues are discussed, and the psychological underpinnings are explored, including physicians’ personal vulnerabilities contributing to burnout. The stress response and lifestyle medicine’s role in healthy coping are described. A prevention model for risk factor reduction is proposed, focusing on primordial, primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Lifestyle medicine clinicians’ role in prevention, treatment, and advocacy to ameliorate the potential for burnout is discussed along with specific recommendations.

Principles of Medical Professionalism

Merlo, G. (2021). (1–). Oxford University Press.

Professional Boundaries and Digital Professionalism

Merlo, G. (2021). In Principles of Medical Professionalism (1–). Oxford University Press. 10.1093/med/9780197506226.003.0005
Abstract
Abstract
The relationship between physicians and patients is unlike any other personal or working relationship in modern society. The patients must put their utmost trust in the abilities and intentions of their physicians, and in return, physicians must put the needs of patients above their own (described as a physician’s fiduciary duty). Often, the physician-–patient relationship crosses over boundaries that are present in other aspects of our lives. These so-called professional boundaries must be observed to avoid potential ethical or legal problems. Physicians ought to abide by the most conservative guidelines for professional boundaries established by their institution, state, and medical organization. Increased use of digital technology in medicine is blurring the lines of these boundaries. Physicians’ use of social media, email, and telemedicine all offer potential benefits as well drawbacks that should be considered before social media is incorporated into their practice.

Psychiatric Disorders in Women

Merlo, G., Ryu, H., & Nikbin, A. (2021). In Improving Women’s Health Across the Lifespan (1–, pp. 477-490). CRC Press. 10.1201/9781003110682-28
Abstract
Abstract
Chronic psychiatric disorders are associated with a significant burden of morbidity and disability and tend to be underdiagnosed in the population. Furthermore, gender appears to be a significant determinant of psychiatric disorders, yet the literature does not make a gendered distinction regarding the prevention and adjuvant treatment of psychiatric disorders. A gendered perspective of psychiatry holds great promise for more effectively preventing and treating psychiatric disorders in women, and it may be useful to view women’s mental health across the lifespan in order to do so. As of now, lifestyle interventions focused on nutrition, exercise, tobacco use cessation, stress management, healthy relationships, and sleep are evidenced-based modalities that are likely to be useful for reducing the prevalence and morbidity of psychiatric disorders.