Dr. Eliel Arrey, MD, MBA, PhD Candidate, Captain, U.S. Army​

Dr. Eliel Arrey is a distinguished physician, researcher, educator, and U.S. Army officer whose career spans the fields of surgery, business administration, and medical education. With a passion for advancing surgical knowledge and mentoring future generations of medical professionals, Dr. Arrey has made significant contributions to research, medical writing, and academic leadership.

Below is brief biography on some of Dr. Arrey's most pivotal contributions and accomplishments.

A Global Journey in Medicine

Born and raised in Cameroon, Africa, Dr. Arrey’s journey in medicine has been defined by relentless curiosity and a commitment to excellence. After earning his high school diploma in 2003, he pursued higher education in the United States, where his dedication to academic and clinical excellence quickly set him apart. He has since accumulated extensive experience in research, publishing, and teaching, shaping the future of medicine through his leadership in education and policy.

Surgical Scholar and Researcher
Dr. Arrey’s research portfolio is both vast and impactful, encompassing neurosurgery, surgical oncology, and health disparities. His recent publication, A Comprehensive Review of the Evolution of Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair: Historical Milestones to Modern Clinical Practice (Springer Nature, 2025), highlights his expertise in surgical innovation. He has also contributed to the understanding of breast cancer disparities, pediatric neurosurgery, and skull base osteosarcoma, with multiple peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals.
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His research work has been supported by grants from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH NINDS), further solidifying his reputation as a leader in evidence-based surgical advancements.

Educator and Advocate for Medical History

In addition to his clinical and research contributions, Dr. Arrey is a passionate educator. As the Lead Medical Historian and Senior Editor for Morehouse School of Medicine’s History of Surgery Lecture Series, he brings to life the stories of pioneering surgeons, analyzing their achievements and the challenges they faced. His lecture series covers key surgical concepts tested in board exams while emphasizing the evolution of surgical techniques and the resilience of historical figures in medicine.
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His expertise in medical education extends beyond history—he serves as a professor of anatomy, neuroanatomy, and surgery for Kaplan North America, Chamberlain University, and Lone Star College, among others. Through these roles, he has mentored and trained countless medical students and professionals preparing for licensing exams and clinical practice.

Military Service, Surgical Leadership, and Academic Excellence


​Dr. Eliel Arrey’s service as a Captain in the U.S. Army reflects his deep commitment to leadership, discipline, and the advancement of surgical medicine. His military experience, combined with his extensive academic and clinical expertise, positions him as a key figure in shaping the next generation of surgeons and medical professionals.

​Surgical leadership extends beyond the operating room—it is about fostering a culture of excellence, resilience, and mentorship. Dr. Arrey’s dedication to this field is evident in his extensive research on burnout among surgical residents, a critical issue affecting the medical workforce. His PhD dissertation on steward leadership and burnout in surgery residency programs explores the systemic and interpersonal factors contributing to emotional exhaustion among trainees. His work emphasizes how leadership models that prioritize mentorship, shared responsibility, and inclusivity can improve resident well-being, reduce burnout, and enhance patient care. His research is groundbreaking, offering a framework for improving surgical training environments and fostering resilience among young physicians.
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​Dr. Arrey's contributions to surgical leadership are also evident in his co-authored book chapter, "Establishing an Organizational Culture," in The SAGES Manual of Strategy and Leadership (Springer Nature, 2024). This chapter delves into the principles of effective leadership in surgical education, emphasizing the role of culture in shaping successful surgical teams. He discusses strategies for developing a work environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and professional growth—principles that are essential for both military and civilian surgical institutions.

​​Dr. Arrey’s election into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Honor Medical Society—the nation’s most prestigious honor medical society—further underscores his excellence in academics, leadership, and service. AΩA membership is a distinction reserved for physicians and scholars who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and dedication to medical advancement. His inclusion in this elite group reflects his profound impact on surgical education, research, and leadership.

A Multifaceted Leader

Beyond medicine, Dr. Arrey is an accomplished musician and composer with over 100 commercial releases, demonstrating his artistic and creative talents. Whether in the operating room, the lecture hall, or the recording studio, his work reflects a deep dedication to excellence, innovation, and mentorship.
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Dr. Eliel Arrey’s contributions to surgery, research, and education continue to shape the future of medicine, ensuring that the next generation of physicians is equipped with both historical wisdom and cutting-edge knowledge.