Dr. Iain Elliott is a surgeon who holds fellowships in both Orthopedic Spine and Trauma from Harborview Medical Center at the University of Washington. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine, where he was recognized with multiple honors and awards for his service and research.

Service is in Dr. Elliott’s blood. Prior to discovering medicine, he worked in Costa Rica as an engineer. He realized he wanted to work directly with people, not in front of a computer. His engineering mind naturally gravitated to orthopedics – focusing on the physics of human movement and structure – and he enrolled in medical school.

During his time there, he led service projects in Haiti and Peru, directed an equal access clinic on campus, and was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency in Salt Lake City and did fellowships in both spine and trauma in Seattle.

Looking for a place he and his wife could raise their family “with friendly, open people who look out for each other” and access to the outdoors, they were excited to have the opportunity to settle in Alaska.

Today at OPA, Dr. Elliott is a vital member of the back, neck and spine team. He takes care of complex traumatic injuries including pelvis and acetabular fractures, as well as complete care of the spine. He is interested in pushing the envelope with minimally invasive techniques and seeking improved ways of treating spine pathology.

Outside of the medicine, he spends time with his young kids and looks forward to introducing them to the outdoor life – fishing, hiking, paddling, surfing, snowboarding, and exploring – “through experience and respect for the ocean and mountains.”