Bernard F. Morrey, MD, FAOA is being recognized as an AOA Pillar of the Orthopaedic Profession for his leadership, mentoring, and lifelong contributions to orthopaedic surgery during his distinguished career. The champions for this effort on his behalf are Brett A. Freedman, MD, FAOA, Mark Morrey, MD and Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo, MD.
Bio
Bernard F. Morrey, MD, FAOA, is the emeritus chair of the Department of Orthopaedics at Mayo Clinic. He holds the academic rank of Professor of Orthopaedics at both Mayo and at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, and is the emeritus John and Posy Krehbiel Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Mayo. He is a Past President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Association, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. He has been the chair of the Board of Trustees of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and for the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. He served for 8 years on the Board of Governors of Mayo Clinic. Dr. Morrey is a member of numerous national and an honorary member of many international specialty orthopaedic organizations. Dr. Morrey is a Fulbright Scholar and a former consultant to the Food and Drug Administration. He holds nine patents, has authored 15 major textbooks under four different titles, translated into six languages. He has authored over 450 peer-reviewed publications. He is the former interim CEO of Tenex Health, developing ultrasonic techniques to treat musculoskeletal disorders. He was the personal orthopaedic surgeon to the senior President and Mrs. Bush. He has been named a distinguished alumnus of the Mayo Clinic, and the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
Dr. Morrey was reared in Ft. Worth, Texas and after working at NASA as an aerospace engineer on the Apollo mission for two years in Houston, he attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He completed his residency at Mayo Clinic Rochester concurrently receiving a master’s degree in biomechanics from the University of Minnesota. After two years of service in the Air Force, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award, he conducted his surgical practice at Mayo from 1978-2009, and continues to the present part-time at the University of Texas Health Center, San Antonio. He and his wife Carla, an RN, live on a 120-acre ranch in LaGrange, Texas and have four children: Michael, Matthew, Mark and Margaret (Maggie) who are all involved in the medical profession. They have 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
The AOA congratulates Dr. Morrey on being recognized as an AOA Pillar of the Orthopaedic Profession and extends sincere gratitude for his constant support of the AOA programs and leadership initiatives.
Tributes
“Bernie Morrey epitomizes the term “gentleman-surgeon”. His warm, caring personality, complimented by his down-to-earth sensibility and world-class surgical knowledge and skill set are unmatched and have ensured that each of his patients received the best possible orthopedic care.
Bernie Morrey has been a selfless servant in every role he has assumed–physician, educator, innovator, Chair, President of AOA, AAOS & ASES.”
Brett A. Freedman, MD, FAOA
Dr. Morrey’s Co-Champion
“Most know him as Dr. Bernie Morrey, Orthopedic surgeon extraordinaire, and while he was a mentor to me as an Orthopedic surgeon, and in particular for the elbow, he was also Dad. Caring, compassionate, generous and of unsurpassed integrity, he was the best role-model a kid could ever have. I learned Orthopedic surgery as other kids learn farming…working in the garage while working on cars or doing woodworking projects, he taught us how to use tools, work together and solve problems. While his accomplishments in Orthopedic surgery are myriad, he always had time to coach our sports teams, come to our games and along with Mom always supported our endeavors. He taught us about life, faith and family and I think I can speak for all my siblings in saying he was the best Dad a kid could ever have! Congratulations on an extraordinary career and contributions to the Orthopedic community and to our family. You are a pillar of both!“
Mark Morrey, MD
Dr. Morrey’s Co-Champion
“Dr. Bernard F. Morrey MD uniquely represents the quintessence of Orthopedic Pillars. Best known as the father of modern elbow surgery, his surgical practice, research, and innovation have always extended far beyond. Bernie Morrey is not only one of the most skilled surgeons I have had the pleasure to work with, but a gifted teacher, thoughtful researcher, innovator, leader and above all the epitome of mentor. He has trained generations of residents and fellows; many of his disciples are considered the best of the best in orthopedic surgery. His leadership skills profoundly influenced our Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic (Chairman), the Mayo Foundation (Board member), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (President), American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (President), and of course AOA, amongst other organizations. I am extremely grateful to have been mentored by Dr. Morrey first-hand for years, and I know of many others that consider Bernie Morrey the one person to whom they go to for advice, once and again. Always generous with his time, always willing to help, charismatic, caring, motivating, fun… there is simply no better individual in our profession to be recognized as Pillar of the Orthopedic Profession.”
Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo, MD
Dr. Morrey’s Co-Champion