Eric Elster

Dr. Eric Elster serves as Dean of the School of Medicine and Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. A distinguished military physician-scientist, he holds leadership positions in multiple surgical organizations and has extensive experience in both military and civilian medical settings.

Education:

• MD, University of South Florida College of Medicine (1991-1995)
• BA Interdisciplinary Studies, University of South Florida (Honors Program) (1987-1991)
• General Surgery Residency, National Naval Medical Center (1995-2002)
• Transplant Fellowship, National Institutes of Health (2003-2005)

Dr. Elster's research focuses on clinical decision support systems, trauma surgery, and advanced operative imaging. His work bridges military medicine with civilian applications, particularly in developing improved diagnostics and therapies for serious traumatic injuries and transplantation. His translational research program at the Naval Medical Research Center has produced significant contributions to surgical science and military medical care.

Professional Recognition:

• Fellow, American College of Surgeons
• Member, Society of University Surgeons
• Member, American Society of Transplant Surgeons
• Member, Southern Surgical Association
• Member, Halsted Society
• Member, American Surgical Association

As a former ship's surgeon aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Director of Surgical Services at the NATO Role 3 Military Medical Unit in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Dr. Elster has extensive battlefield surgical experience that informs his research and educational leadership. He has published over 150 scientific manuscripts in leading journals including JAMA, Annals of Surgery, American Journal of Transplantation, and Science Translational Medicine, and has secured numerous research grants across all surgical disciplines. His leadership in medical education continues to shape military medical training and trauma care systems.