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Amartej Merla,

M.D.

Medical Oncologist and Hematologist

4.8 (170 Ratings)
Biography photo
Location
Antelope Valley
44151 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
Specialties
Medical Oncology
Education
Medical school:
Board Certifications
  • Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Medicine

  • Hematology, American Board of Internal Medicine

Degrees
  • 1996-2002, Doctor of Medicine, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, India

Fellowship
  • 2013-2016, Hematology/Oncology fellowship, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY

Residency
  • 2006-2009, Internal Medicine Residency, St. Luke's University Hospital/Clinical Campus for Temple University, Bethlehem, PA

Professional Experience
  • 2020-present, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, and Regional Medical Director for Antelope Valley and Kern County, City of Hope, Antelope Valley, CA

  • 2016-2020, Medical Oncologist, Antelope Valley Cancer Center, Antelope Valley, CA

  • 2009-2010, Instructor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO

  • 2004-2006, Senior House Officer, Internal Medicine, University Hospital of NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK

  • 2002-2004, Senior House Officer, Internal Medicine/Emergency Medicine, Rotherham General Hospital, UK

Academic Appointments
  • Regional Medical Director for Antelope Valley and Kern County
  • Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
About Me

At City of Hope® locations in Antelope Valley and Palmdale, Amartej Merla, M.D., cares for people with a variety of malignancies, including both solid tumors and blood-related cancers. He is deeply committed to putting his patients first and believes in offering care that is compassionate, thoughtful and focused on prioritizing their well-being and peace of mind. 

Dr. Merla earned his medical degree in India and received additional training in the United Kingdom before moving to the United States. He completed his internal medicine residency at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and went on to complete a hematology-oncology fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in New York. 

He is passionate about the future of cancer care, especially new advances like precision medicine and targeted therapies designed to meet each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Merla is proud to be part of City of Hope, where he can combine compassionate care with leading-edge technologies and research.

Patient reviews
The patient ratings and comments on this page are obtained from an external Press Ganey® outpatient survey provided to all eligible City of Hope patients within one to two weeks of their treatment occurrence. Raw data from the answers to the survey questions about our physicians are calculated by Press Ganey into a one- to five- star rating. In the spirit of transparency, all patient comments are posted as written by the patient, whether they are positive or negative. We only exclude comments if they are deemed to be slanderous or libelous, contain profanity or vulgar language, or do not relate to the patient's experience with the doctor involved. As a result, the comments are the views and opinions of the patients surveyed and are not endorsed by, and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of, City of Hope.
May 27, 2025
5.0
"Provider seemed to have my best interest at hand , whats best for me"
Apr 26, 2025
5.0
"Sensitive to my concerns and preferences"
Apr 25, 2025
5.0
"Dr Merla is always great"
Apr 25, 2025
5.0
"I always have a good experience there"
Apr 23, 2025
5.0
"All good"
Apr 20, 2025
5.0
"While the news was not good Dr Merla was amazing and comforting"
Feb 21, 2025
4.9
"I do and have recommended my Dr. And City of Hope to people I know"
Feb 21, 2025
4.9
"They have always been very concerned and thorough"
Jan 23, 2025
4.7
"Very good service"
Jan 23, 2025
4.7
"Great"
Jan 15, 2025
4.7
"Dr Merla is absolutely amazing!! He is kind,caring and truly cares about his patients."
Jan 15, 2025
4.7
"Dr. Merla was very informative."
Dec 9, 2024
4.7
"Very good."
Dec 9, 2024
4.7
"Excellent !"
Nov 25, 2024
5.0
"Very helpful"
Nov 25, 2024
5.0
"Yes, indeed I would recommend this Doctor."
Nov 18, 2024
5.0
"He was very polite and very nice. He was also very understanding and informative and helpful."
Oct 8, 2024
5.0
"Dr. Merla is a fantastic doctor. He keeps my concerns and health issues as if I am most important person."
Sep 27, 2024
5.0
"Good"
Sep 27, 2024
5.0
"Good"
Sep 26, 2024
5.0
"Dr. Merla was excellent and very nice, answered all my questions."
Sep 6, 2024
5.0
"Always good"
Sep 6, 2024
5.0
"Always good"
Aug 13, 2024
5.0
"I love Dr Merla I would recommend him to anyone going through this"
Jul 31, 2024
5.0
"Excellent communication and experience"
Jul 31, 2024
5.0
"Good experience with staff. Attentive to my needs and care"