Dr. Merrick Wetzler M.D.

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Get to know Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Physician Dr. Merrick Wetzler, who serves patients in New Jersey. 

Dr. Wetzler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist who is currently serving patients at Advocare South Jersey Orthopedic Associates in Voorhees and Turnersville, New Jersey. 

Advocare South Jersey Orthopedic Associates is a comprehensive facility serving the South Jersey region with high-quality orthopedic services for more than 60 years. As one of the oldest orthopedic practices in the Voorhees, Cherry Hill, and Mount Laurel areas, Advocare South Jersey Orthopedic Associates consists of a team of highly experienced and board-certified orthopedic surgeons who offer a full range of services including diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of the musculoskeletal system for adults and children. While providing care for patients’ orthopedic healthcare needs, the practice also specializes in sports medicine, joint replacement, and reconstruction of the shoulder and knee.

Dr. Wetzler developed an early interest in sports medicine during his undergraduate studies at Yale University, where he was an All-Ivy League wrestler and won a gold medal at the Maccabiah Games. Upon earning his medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, he completed his orthopedic residency at Boston University. Following fellowships in sports medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Medical Center, the Rothman Institute, and Lankenau Hospital and Medical Research Center, he joined South Jersey Orthopedic Associates in 1995. 

A former co-director of Virtua’s Sports Medicine Program, Dr. Wetzler is active in professional, school, and community sports at every level. He has assisted in team medical coverage for the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, Phillies and Wings, as well as served as medical chairman/director for Team USA in the 2009 International Maccabiah Games. He has also served as medical director for Team USA in the 2007 European Maccabiah Games, as well as served as associate medical director for Team USA in the 2005 International Maccabiah Games.

Dr. Wetzler is a member of the United States Rugby Union Medical and Safety Committee. He has also served as the team orthopedic surgeon for sports teams at Rowan University, Rutgers-Camden University, Eastern Camden County Regional High School, Pemberton Township High School, Cherry Hill West High School, the Jersey Wahoos Swim Team, and the South Jersey Rugby Football Club.

Specializing in sports medicine, shoulder and knee reconstruction, orthopedic trauma, and general orthopedics, Dr. Wetzler was voted “Top Doc in Sports Medicine” by his peers in the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009 surveys by SJ Magazine. He serves as the Associate Editor of The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery.

Dr. Wetzler is board-certified in orthopedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS). The ABOS is an organization with the goal of establishing educational and professional standards for orthopedic residents and surgeons, as well as evaluating the qualifications and competence of orthopedic surgeons.

Dr. Wetzler is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (FAAOS). Additionally, he is a member of the United States Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Society, the Arthroscopy Associates of North America, the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine, the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Medical Association, and the Camden County Medical Society, and the New Jersey Medical Society. 

Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics is the branch of surgery that deals with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. An orthopedic surgeon offers care to patients suffering from problems associated with the joints, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They perform surgeries to address trauma, injuries, tumors, infections, and other conditions that require surgical intervention. 

Sports medicine is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries due to athletic activity. Sports medicine specialists are either orthopedic surgeons or primary care physicians who prescribe treatments for professional and amateur athletes. They are trained to address issues associated with nutrition, sports psychology, and substance abuse. They may also counsel athletes on injury prevention.

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