Ellen H. Morrow

Dr. Ellen H. Morrow, MD, MS, FACS is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. She practices at both University of Utah Hospital and Veteran's Hospitals, specializing in minimally invasive gastrointestinal, foregut, and bariatric surgery. With expertise in esophageal surgery and pathophysiology diagnosis, Dr. Morrow performs high-volume laparoscopic procedures for reflux, paraesophageal hernias, and achalasia, and is certified in weight loss surgery including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Dr. Morrow received her B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology from Yale University, her M.D. from Stanford University Medical School, completed her Surgery Residency at Stanford University Hospital, pursued a Senior Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery at University of Washington, and earned an M.S.C.I. in Clinical Investigation from University of Utah. Her educational journey reflects a progressive specialization in surgical techniques and clinical research methodology.

Her research focuses on minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery outcomes, particularly in bariatric procedures and esophageal disorders. She investigates patient-reported outcomes, surgical techniques for hiatal hernias, and the psychological aspects of both surgical patients and healthcare providers. Notably, her work extends beyond traditional surgical research to include studies on healthcare professional well-being, burnout, and resilience during the pandemic, demonstrating a holistic approach to surgical care that considers both patient and provider mental health.

Analysis of Dr. Morrow's recent publications reveals a strong pattern connecting surgical outcomes with psychological factors. Her research spans from technical surgical questions (like hiatal hernia repair during gastric bypass) to broader healthcare system issues (like provider well-being measurement). This interdisciplinary approach bridges clinical surgery with psychological science, particularly evident in her mindfulness intervention studies for healthcare professionals and resilience research during the pandemic.

• American Board of Surgery Certification

Dr. Morrow provides patient-centered care with a focus on helping patients improve their health and lives through surgical intervention. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided text, her participation in the PCORnet Bariatric Study Collaborative indicates involvement in large-scale, multi-institutional research. Her clinical practice encompasses minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery, gastric/esophageal surgery, upper gastrointestinal tract surgery, and hernia surgery using open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques. Patient reviews generally rate her highly (4.9/5 based on 52 reviews), noting her knowledge, experience, and thorough explanations, though some comments indicate variability in patient experiences regarding communication style.