Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine is pleased to welcome Dr. Merle S. Rust, to our team of fellowship-trained neurosurgeons. Dr. Rust will care for patients in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he joins Dr. Josue Ordaz in providing advanced neurosurgical care and expanding access to specialized brain and spine services for the Wabash Valley and surrounding communities.
Dr. Rust’s path to medicine began long before medical school. While in high school, he volunteered with his local community ambulance service, gaining firsthand experience in emergency medicine and the hospital environment. Those early experiences sparked a passion for patient care and surgery that only grew stronger over time.
“Before starting medical school, I already knew I wanted to pursue a surgical specialty,” Dr. Rust said. “During my first semester at the University of Illinois, I developed a deep appreciation for neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and the diseases affecting the nervous system. That’s when I knew neurosurgery was the right path for me.”
For Dr. Rust, joining Goodman Campbell was a natural next step in his career.
“Goodman Campbell has a long-standing reputation for clinical excellence and innovation throughout the Midwest,” he said. “I’ve known about the organization for years, and the opportunity to practice in Indiana with such a respected group made this an easy decision.”
Dr. Rust treats a broad range of brain and spine conditions and believes every patient deserves an individualized treatment plan that begins with the least invasive option whenever appropriate.
“I remain passionate about caring for patients with both brain and spine disorders,” he said. “My goal is always to provide thoughtful recommendations that optimize outcomes, whether that involves conservative treatment or surgery.”
He is especially excited about the collaborative culture at Goodman Campbell, where physicians regularly share knowledge, discuss complex cases and continue learning from one another.
“Medicine is constantly evolving,” Dr. Rust said. “Throughout medical school and residency, I learned the importance of embracing new techniques, technologies and perspectives. I’m looking forward to collaborating with my colleagues through case discussions, operating room observations and shared learning opportunities that ultimately benefit our patients.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Rust remains optimistic about the future of neurosurgery.
“Continued advances in research and education will shape the future of our specialty,” he said. “At the same time, it’s important that we continue to strengthen and sustain the practice of neurosurgery as healthcare continues to evolve.”
Outside of work, Dr. Rust enjoys reading, following developments in aviation safety and spending time mentoring his son, Drew, who is currently completing his neurology residency.
As he begins this new chapter, Dr. Rust is eager to serve the Terre Haute community and continue building strong relationships with patients and referring providers.
“Goodman Campbell has a long-standing reputation for clinical excellence and innovation throughout the Midwest,” he said. “I’ve known about the organization for years, and the opportunity to practice in Indiana with such a respected group made this an easy decision.
I am honored to join Dr. Ordaz and represent Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine at Union Hospital. I look forward to providing exceptional neurosurgical care while helping continue the growth of the region’s neuroscience service line.”
Please join us in welcoming Merle S. Rust, MD, to Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine! We are excited to have him on our team and look forward to the compassionate, patient-centered care he will provide to patients throughout western Indiana.
