Welcome to Southdale Physicians

Since graduating from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1990 and finishing his residency in 1993, Dr. Merlin Brown has been an internist in the Twin Cities. Ever since he was a small child he always liked bioscience. His parents were both nurses so he was exposed to the medical field while he was growing up and always knew that he wanted to be a doctor.

“I feel that in order to be a good doctor, I have to be well-educated, certified and up on all the latest advances in my area, which I am,” says Dr. Brown. “I also have to make sure that I use this information and knowledge in a very personable, non-judgmental way with my patients so I can implement my recommendations in a way that is not intimidating to the patient.”

Dr. Brown has been on staff at Fairview since 1995 and on staff at Fairview Southdale since 2000. As a result he knows most of the commonly-used specialists personally both at Fairview and at a number of other health systems. This allows him to be able to call the very best specialists personally and get very timely treatment for his patients. “Besides having a great network of referring physicians, I am also a bridge between standard western medicine and evidenced-based alternative medicine,” says Dr. Brown. “I’m happy to refer patients for treatments that are safe yet alternative. I believe in many medical modalities including chiropractic, mind-body medicine, etc.”

Dr. Brown has many interests outside the clinic, including developing homes for the mentally challenged in the state of Wisconsin. He is also one of the principal founders of a new healthcare solution built on free market principals called SolarteHealth.

In his free time he enjoys traveling the world and finds serenity in tending his garden and cooking for his friends and loved ones at his home in Minneapolis. Dr. Brown also spends his free time tirelessly working towards healthcare reform.

Ashley began her nursing career in 2016 with the goal of helping others. Inspired by her mother and grandmother, both of whom were nurses, she admired how they exemplified the role of caring for others. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2016, and over the years, her passion for helping people grew through both her professional experiences and personal life events.

Ashley has extensive experience in inpatient hospital care, with the last six years spent working in the emergency room. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she observed the critical need for strong, individualized patient-provider relationships to maintain health and improve quality of life. At the same time, her husband was diagnosed with a potentially debilitating autoimmune disease. His journey through the healthcare system deepened Ashley's commitment to helping patients navigate disease and live healthy lives. She understands that every patient's story is unique, much like her husband's, and is dedicated to supporting individuals in achieving their optimal health.

Ashley decided to further her education by enrolling in the graduate program at the University of South Alabama. The program allowed her to continue her work in the emergency room while advancing her studies. In 2024, she graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing and became certified as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Ashley had previously met Dr. Brown and was impressed with his practice model. "I love that I can always bring research to him, and he is open-minded," she says. After inquiring about a position at Southdale Physicians, she was thrilled to join the practice. "I'm excited to work at a company that truly allows me to focus on what's best for my patients."

Although she is new to her role as a nurse practitioner, Ashley maintains a continuous learning mindset and makes use of all available resources to provide the safest and most up-to-date care for her patients.

At Southdale Physicians, we believe that exceptional healthcare begins with deep listening, mutual respect, and a genuine connection between provider and patient. Drawing from decades of experience in internal medicine and emergency care, our team blends clinical expertise with a personal, compassionate approach that honors each individual unique story.

We are committed to evidence-based medicine while embracing a broad spectrum of healing practices that prioritize whole-person wellness. Whether it's navigating complex chronic conditions, offering guidance on preventive care, or exploring alternative therapies, we work collaboratively to empower patients in their health journey.

Our providers share a belief that being current in medical knowledge is just the beginning — true care is delivered through empathy, humility, and partnership. We advocate for our patients, support them through life's health challenges, and aim to provide care that is both innovative and deeply human.