Merle Wade, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S., is a native of Gadsden, Alabama, where he graduated as valedictorian from Gadsden High School. He later attended Samford University, graduating summa cum laude, and then received his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine with honors. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He returned to Gadsden after completing his general surgery and urology training at the University of South Florida. Dr. Wade has served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Urology at Gadsden Regional Medical Center and is currently the President-Elect of the medical staff. He has served as Chief of Urology at Riverview Regional Medical Center. He is the treasurer of the Alabama Urological Society and a former Alabama representative to the SESAUA. He is board certified by the American Board of Urology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.) (see glossary). He is a member of the American Urological Association, the American Association of Clinical Urologists, and the Christian Medical and Dental Association. He has been trained in advanced laparoscopic procedures including the daVinci™ robot (see Robotic Surgery).

Dr. Wade and his wife, Christa, have 3 girls. His interests include long-distance running (he completed the New York City Marathon in 2014, Chicago Marathon in 2015, and the Marine Corps Marathon in 2016) travel, medical missions, movies, and spending time with his family.