Episoder
-
Unlock the secrets of achieving both personal and professional growth by discovering the transformative power of hiring a coach. Imagine aligning your deepest personal ambitions with your professional goals, creating more time for yourself while reaching financial success. In our latest episode, Dr. Paul Etchison, Dr. Steve Markowitz, and Dr. Henry Ernst candidly share their journey with various coaches—ranging from life to sports coaches—and how coaching has been instrumental in maintaining accountability and uncovering insights that often go unnoticed. By reflecting on the experiences of renowned figures like Tom Brady, we underline the pivotal role of consistent guidance in avoiding pitfalls and fostering development, whether it's perfecting your golf swing or enhancing business practices.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Unlock the secrets to transforming those seemingly mundane non-clinical days into powerful opportunities for growth with insights from Dr. Paul Etchison. Ever feel like you're endlessly busy but not making real progress in your dental practice? Dr. Etchison shares his journey and highlights the top three non-clinical activities that can propel your practice forward, starting with the critical examination of key performance indicators like accounts receivable and case acceptance rates.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Mangler du episoder?
-
Unlock the blueprint to turning your dental practice aspirations into reality with actionable insights from our latest episode. Discover how setting clear objectives and measuring outcomes can create a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within your practice. With tips on starting small, like auditing a couple of phone calls each week, this episode reveals the power of incremental progress in achieving your dream practice.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Dr. Isaac Hanset, the owner of Gresham Advanced Dentistry, reveals how he overcame the challenges of high turnover and resistance to change to create a thriving dental practice. Through assertive leadership and strategic vision, Dr. Hanset transformed his practice into a successful multi-doctor operation. Listeners will gain insights into his journey, from implementing structured meetings to cultivating a team-driven environment, emphasizing the power of resilience and determination in overcoming professional hurdles.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Please leave a review on whatever app you are listening on! It only take a moment and would make such a difference to our growth!
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Learn how you can master the art of speed and precision, whether you're juggling multiple quads for anesthesia or tackling those tricky back-to-back class two fillings. In this episode, I will divulge 15 game changing speed and efficiency tips to increase your speed.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Unlock the secret to skyrocketing your dental practice's efficiency and profitability. Imagine hitting production goals like $1,000 per hour by transforming the way you approach procedures. Join me, Paul Etchison, as I reveal practical strategies to streamline common tasks like fillings and effectively incorporate high-value procedures such as bone grafts. Gain insights into how these techniques not only boost your practice's financial success but also improve patient satisfaction through faster, more efficient care.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Unlock the secret to transforming your dental practice into a vibrant community where staff feel like family. As Dr. Paul Etchison, alongside my esteemed DPH coaches Dr. Henry Ernst and Dr. Stephen Markowitz, we promise to guide you through the art of crafting genuine connections among your team.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
What if you could transform your dental practice through mastering conflict resolution, boosting profits, and gaining personal freedom all at once? In this engaging episode, we welcome back Dr. Jason Tanoory, an accomplished practice owner with seven thriving dental offices in New York State. Dr. Tanoory shares his inspiring journey from hands-on clinician to a visionary CEO, revealing how strategic growth and empowering his team to manage conflicts directly have fueled not only business expansion but also enhanced his personal freedom.
Jason's Podcast www.dentallighthouse.comText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Please leave a review on whatever app you are listening on! It only take a moment and would make such a difference to our growth!
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Unlock the secrets to a thriving dental practice with insights from Dr. Justin Bhullar, a seasoned multi-practice owner and investor. Discover how overcoming the isolation of dentistry with leadership and teamwork can transform your practice into a collaborative, supportive environment. Listen as we, Dr. Paul Etchison and Dr. Justin, share personal stories about the power of delegating and involving team members in decision-making, building trust and a unified purpose. Learn how cross-training and understanding each role can create empathy and appreciation among your team, leading to a thriving and harmonious workspace.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
What if your emergency dental patients could become your most loyal, long-term clients? Join me, Paul Etchison, as I reveal the secrets to turning immediate pain relief into comprehensive care opportunities. Through strategic full exams and education on cavity prevention and oral health, we build trust and encourage ongoing treatment plans that enhance both patient outcomes and practice profitability. Learn how to address all dental issues effectively while positioning your practice as the ultimate dental solution.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Unlock the secrets to elevating patient communication and boosting case acceptance rates in your dental practice! Join us as we host Dr. Chris Bowman, the innovative founder of Dental Insiders, who blends his expertise in psychology and marketing to revolutionize patient interactions. Discover how his systematic approaches, like the new patient connection interview and trusted advisor consultative sales, can transform your practice by fostering ethical, patient-centered influence that leads to more comprehensive care with fewer patients.
Find Dr. Chris Bowman's Course at https://www.gettingyesmasterclass.com/Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Please leave a review on whatever app you are listening on! It only take a moment and would make such a difference to our growth!
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Unlock the secrets to effective communication and leadership in your dental practice with our special guest, Chelsea Myers, a seasoned dental life coach. Chelsea's inspiring journey from overcoming personal hurdles to empowering dental professionals will leave you motivated and enlightened. Learn how self-awareness and empathy can revolutionize your leadership style, helping you to manage team dynamics more effectively and create a nurturing work environment that promotes growth and harmony.
Discover the delicate art of balancing open communication with your team while steering clear of micromanagement pitfalls. We discuss the importance of loyalty to the practice and how transparent communication aligned with core values can help navigate challenges seamlessly. By embracing these principles, you'll foster a professional setting where every team member feels supported, leading your practice to new heights of success.
Check out Chelsea and all her offerings at www.dentallife.coachText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Can a career ever truly be fulfilling without constant growth? Join us on Dental Practice Heroes as we sit down with the insightful Dr. Justin Buller, an accomplished dentist and multi-practice owner, to uncover the profound realizations he's had throughout his journey. Dr. Buller unveils the importance of perpetual progress and sheds light on the idea that there is no ultimate finish line. This episode is packed with wisdom on how to find joy in the everyday challenges of problem-solving and helping others, all while maintaining a harmonious balance between work, health, and family life.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Can you imagine leading a team to success even after you're no longer there to guide them? Discover how delegation, inspired by Magellan's legendary expedition, can transform your practice. We'll bust the myth that handling everything yourself is the only path to success and explore how strategic delegation can help you avoid burnout, reduce stress, and foster a motivated, efficient team.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
How can you transform your dental assistants into heroes? Join me, Dr. Paul Etchison, alongside DPH coaches Dr. Henry Ernst and Dr. Steven Markowitz, as we unravel the secrets to training dental assistants who will not only boost your practice’s productivity but also alleviate your daily stresses. We promise you will walk away with actionable insights on creating and utilizing standardized instructional videos and structured 30, 60, and 90-day checklists to ensure your team’s competency and confidence—all while freeing you up to focus on the critical aspects of patient care.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Ever wondered how a dentist handles the whirlwind of managing multiple practices while steering through a pandemic? Join us as Dr. Chad Johnson, the dynamic owner of Veranda Dentistry and host of the Everyday Practices podcast, shares his riveting story from opening his own practice straight out of dental school to overcoming the formidable challenges of COVID-19. Learn how he adeptly balances two thriving locations, makes tough business decisions, and brings a light-hearted touch to both patient care and social media.
We also emphasize the critical importance of regular audits and consistent monitoring to ensure staff accountability and optimize marketing investments, driving home the necessity of accountability for sustained practice growth.
In the final segments, we tackle the nuanced art of staff management and professional development. From creating detailed job descriptions and leveraging systems like Google Calendar to addressing performance issues with tact, Dr. Johnson provides insightful strategies on enhancing staff accountability and efficiency. We also delve into the sensitive topic of transitioning roles within the team, balancing personal pride with organizational needs, and fostering a respectful, collaborative work environment. Listen to our anecdotes and actionable advice that underscore the importance of intentional profitability and leadership responsibility.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Please leave a review on whatever app you are listening on! It only take a moment and would make such a difference to our growth!
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Ever feel like you're drowning in the daily grind of running your dental practice? Discover how to reclaim your time and sanity in our monumental 500th episode of Dental Practice Heroes! I share the top five crucial elements to leading a successful dental practice without burning out.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Can communication issues ruin your dental practice? Discover how mastering difficult conversations can transform your team dynamics and elevate your office culture. In this episode of Dental Practice Heroes, I share a powerful framework for addressing team problems head-on, featuring a real-life incident with a chronically late employee from my own practice. By understanding the motives, behavior, and impact behind team conflicts, you’ll learn the essential skills to address issues promptly and maintain a cohesive, high-performing team.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Unlock the secrets to achieving a near-perfect AR in your dental practice with insights from our expert guests, Dr. Steve Markowitz and Dr. Henry Ernst. Learn how to consistently track key metrics like AR days and aging claims to maintain a high collection rate. Our guests emphasize the importance of distinguishing between patient payments and insurance claims, and share actionable tips on collecting payments before procedures begin. With practical advice on training your front desk staff and the value of systematic processes, this episode is your ultimate guide to ensuring your practice gets paid for the services you provide.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
-
Thinking about expanding your dental practice by adding associates? Discover the crucial factors that determine the right timing and strategy to effectively integrate new team members with insights from Dr. Ben Kacos of Shreveport Dental Solutions. We uncover the common pitfalls practice owners face, whether it's bringing on associates too late due to trust issues or burnout, or too early in an attempt to scale prematurely. Learn how to read key indicators, such as the number of periodic exams per month, that signal when it's time to bring on an associate, and why avoiding a scarcity mindset is essential for balanced growth.
Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))
Please leave a review on whatever app you are listening on! It only take a moment and would make such a difference to our growth!
Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!
the DPH Hero Collective will teach you how to work less days, make more money, and achieve the life/work balance you've always wanted by giving you a scaleble business, instead of a job.
You will get:
✓Comprehensive Training to level up your team and practice
✓Live Monthly Webinars to make sure you are moving forward
✓Live Question and Answer Sessions to get you help when you need it
✓A Community of practice owners to support and cheer you on
✓System and Protocol Documents to Edit, to standardize your operations
And Remember, we are actual dentists! At DPH, we don't coach you on anything we haven't personally accomplished ourselves.Visit www.dentalpracticeheroes.com to Learn more.
- Se mer