Merri Collins, MD attended The University of the South where she majored in biology as a pre-med student. While there, she also sang in the university choir and performed in and directed multiple theatrical productions. She went on to attend medical school and residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Upon completion, she and her husband, Reid, moved to Franklin Tennessee, where they have both practiced pediatrics ever since. Merri spent thirteen years as a physician at Mercy Community Clinic, an organization designed to provide care for underserved communities.
Merri and Reid have two children, Isaac and Rachel, who attend Vanderbilt and Duke, respectively. While her children were young, Merri split her time between pediatrics and involvement with many school and church activities. She has directed and performed in musical programming at Church. And, after years of volunteering at the kids’ school, she ultimately worked as an administrator in the Franklin High School Band office. Merri loves to learn. She enjoys reading, theater, music, and anything involving being outside in nature.