Today we’d like to introduce you to Merlin Butler.
Merlin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was raised on a small farm or ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska and attended a rural one-room schoolhouse from kindergarten to 8th grade as the only member of my class. I then graduated from Stuart High School in a class of 17 students in 1970. I attended Chadron State College (CSC) in Nebraska and graduated in 1974 (B.A.) and 1975 (B.S.) majoring in biology (pre-med) and education.
I received my M.D. degree from the University of Nebraska in 1978, my M.S. degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1980, and a Ph.D. in Medical Genetics in 1984, with postgraduate training in Clinical Genetics and Clinical Cytogenetics from Indiana University School of Medicine. I became certified in Clinical Genetics and Clinical Cytogenetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics in 1984 and was named a Founding Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics in 1993.
Throughout my career, I’ve held academic positions at Indiana University, Vanderbilt University, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and the University of Missouri–Kansas City. I currently serve as Director of Research and Genetics, Medical Director of the KUMC Genetics Clinic, and Professor of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences, and Pediatrics at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Over the years, I’ve been honored with the Distinguished Service Award from Chadron State College (1986), the Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University School of Medicine (2007), and the University of Kansas Chancellor’s Club Research Award (2016). I have conducted NIH-funded research in several areas including Prader-Willi syndrome, autism, intellectual disabilities, and rare genetic syndromes, and have published over 500 peer-reviewed articles and authored textbooks, including Genetics of Developmental Disabilities and Management of Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Challenges and lessons have been a constant part of life. They shape our journey and often come with no warning. From childhood onward, our path is influenced by our environment and experiences—both positive and negative—and these factors shape the decisions we make later in life.
Growing up in the isolated Sandhills of Nebraska, I attended a one-room schoolhouse built by community members. I was the only student in my class for many years and often rode horseback to school. My brother and I had farm chores—feeding livestock, milking cows, gathering eggs, and more. These experiences taught me discipline, hard work, and self-reliance.
Access to media was limited—black and white television signals were weak, and AM radio was available only during the day. So I read a lot. I remember checking out a book on the discovery of insulin in the fourth grade. That book sparked a dream: I would become a medical researcher. Despite having no local mentors or clear roadmaps, I pursued this goal with relentless determination.
There were financial and logistical challenges, of course. But my enthusiasm never waned. One milestone led to the next: graduating summa cum laude from college, earning my M.D. and Ph.D., and ultimately spending 45 years in academic medicine across five major institutions. Along the way, I’ve cared for thousands of patients, published extensively, and mentored the next generation of scientists and doctors.
Success didn’t come easy, but each challenge was an opportunity to grow. I was fortunate to have the support of my family, and I’ve been inspired by mentors who believed in me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently serve as a tenured Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics at the University of Kansas Medical Center. I’m also Director of the Division of Research and Genetics and Medical Director of the Genetics Clinic in The University of Kansas Health System. I became Professor Emeritus in 2022.
My work includes genetics research, teaching, and clinical care for both children and adults. I focus on neurobehavioral developmental disabilities, autism, congenital anomalies, rare syndromes such as Prader-Willi, Angelman, and Mowat-Wilson, and pharmacogenetics. I utilize advanced genomic technologies to identify disease-causing variants and guide personalized care.
Before joining KU, I served as faculty at Vanderbilt University (1984–1998) and Children’s Mercy Hospital / University of Missouri-Kansas City (1998–2008), where I held leadership roles in medical genetics programs.
I’ve published over 500 peer-reviewed articles, contributed to over 50 book chapters, and authored or edited more than 20 textbooks on genetics. I’ve also received multiple honors, including the 2021 Gregor Mendel Award and the Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who.
I served 25 years as Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association-USA, receiving both their Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Service Awards. Beyond research and clinical care, I serve on numerous medical advisory boards, editorial boards, and national committees. My career continues to be driven by a passion for improving diagnosis and care for individuals with genetic conditions.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
Growing up in the rural Sandhills instilled a strong work ethic. Our family’s livelihood depended on the land and livestock, and we all pitched in. From daily chores to long winters feeding cattle and helping with calving, the lessons were foundational.
I loved the simplicity of life: fishing in sandhill lakes, collecting arrowheads, riding horses to school, and reading by lamplight. One of my fondest memories is that trip to the town library in grade school, where I discovered the book about insulin. That moment inspired everything that followed in my life.
In my free time today, I enjoy fishing, boating, rebuilding classic cars, and attending football and baseball games with family. My wife, Ranae, and I have two wonderful children, Michelle and Brian, and five amazing grandchildren who bring us immense joy.
My advice to others is this: work hard, enjoy the journey, and never lose sight of your goals. Balance your ambitions with joy—read, explore, and cherish relationships. Success is not only about reaching a goal but about appreciating every milestone and finding happiness in what you do.
Contact Info:
- Other: Phone: (913) 588-1300 Fax: (913) 588-1305
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