Dr. Bernard Morrey is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon and former chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic where he served on the Board of Governors for eight years. He holds the emeritus John and Posy Krehbiel Professorship of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic and maintains a professorship at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. After working as a NASA aerospace engineer from 1965-67, he earned his MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1971 and completed both orthopedic residency and a Master's degree in Biomechanics at Mayo Clinic. Following two years of distinguished service in the Air Force where he received the Meritorious Service Award, he joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1978 and established himself as a leading figure in orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Morrey's pioneering work in adult reconstructive surgery has transformed clinical practice with his specialized expertise in elbow, hip, and knee procedures. His academic legacy includes 25 years of NIH-supported research, nine patents, and over 450 peer-reviewed publications that have established fundamental principles in orthopedic biomechanics and motion analysis. He authored 15 major textbooks under four different titles, translated into six languages, which serve as essential references for orthopedic professionals worldwide. As medical director of Tenex Health, he developed innovative ultrasonic solutions for musculoskeletal disorders that have provided minimally invasive treatment options for countless patients requiring surgical intervention.
Dr. Morrey has profoundly shaped the orthopedic community through his leadership as past president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. In 2023, he was honored as a Pillar of the Orthopaedic Profession by the American Orthopaedic Association for his lifelong contributions to the field. His clinical expertise earned him the distinction of serving as personal orthopedic surgeon to President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Bush, reflecting the highest level of professional recognition. As a distinguished alumnus of Mayo Clinic, University of Texas Medical Branch, and St. Bernard College, his legacy continues to inspire excellence in orthopedic surgery and biomedical innovation through his extensive mentorship and scholarly contributions.
