Biography
Dr. Morrell is a tenured Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of New Mexico and serves as director of the Hand Surgery Fellowship Program. He specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery, with a particular interest in carpal instability and upper extremity arthroplasty. He is working on the development of a novel implant for thumb CMC arthritis, which is currently patent pending.
Dr. Morrell earned his MD from Stanford University and completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of New Mexico, followed by a Fellowship in Hand, Upper Extremity & Microvascular Surgery at Brown University. He was an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Vermont before returning to the University of New Mexico in 2019.
He is currently the Hand Fellowship Program Director and Director of Education for the UNM Hand Surgery Division, serving as a mentor to residents and fellows both in the clinic as well as the operating room.
He serves the UNM Orthopaedic Department on many committees regarding residency education, as well as serving UNM Hospital on the Surgical Services Operations Committee. He has received the “Top Doc” Award from Albuquerque The Magazine numerous times. He has been awarded the Lineberry Scholarship by the University of New Mexico School of Medicine for his service to patients of New Mexico. He is a member of the American Orthopaedic Association (less than 10% of practicing orthopedic surgeons are members) and the International Wrist Investigators Workshop. He is a reviewer for numerous professional academic journals.
Dr. Morrell provides many unique services to patients in New Mexico. He is the only brachial plexus surgeon in the state. He is the only surgeon in the state of New Mexico performing total wrist and thumb joint replacements. He does numerous wrist and elbow arthroscopic procedures. He is one of the most experienced surgeons in New Mexico managing Dupuytren’s disease with Xiaflex injections, a minimally invasive approach.
He is an associate team physician for UNM Athletics, providing coverage for elbow, wrist, and hand injuries in high-performing athletes. He also provides emergency microvascular services for patients in need, including replantation services. He and his UNM orthopedic surgery team are the only providers in New Mexico who perform this potentially limb-saving service.
Personal Statement
Service is my main passion. My greatest service is to my patients. I also volunteer on a local, national, and international level. I was a recipient of the AFSH-HVO Young Surgeon Traveling Fellowship and have been an active participant in international missions with the ASSH Touching Hands Project. I currently chair the International Outreach Committee for the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and serve on the Board of Directors of a not-for-profit organization (Bones Pro Bono) that provides extremity surgical care around the world.
Resident and Fellow education is also a primary driving force for me. I have participated in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Course for the Orthopaedic Educator twice to gain skills to improve my teaching effectiveness. I was awarded the Excellence in Teaching award by the Orthopedic Surgery residents at the University of Vermont in 2018. At UNM, I have developed curricula for brachial plexus injuries and hand/wrist arthroplasties as these are unique, specialized services that I provide. I received the Exemplary Teacher Award at the University of New Mexico in 2024.
Achievements & Awards
2024, International Wrist Investigators Workshop
Member
2024, Exemplary Teacher Award
University of New Mexico Learning Environment Office iTeach Program
2024,
“Top Doctors” Albuquerque The Magazine
2023, American Orthopaedic Association Fellow
2023, “Top Doctors” Albuquerque The Magazine
2022, “Top Doctors” Albuquerque The Magazine
2021, “Top Doctors” Albuquerque The Magazine
2018, Excellence in Teaching Award
University of Vermont, Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation
2017 – 2018, ASSH Leadership Program (formerly Young Leaders Program)
American Society for Surgery of the Hand
2017, Young Surgeon Traveling Fellowship
American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand – Health Volunteers Overseas
2015, Clinician Scientist Career Development Program
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
2014, Orthopaedic Resident Instructor of the Year
University of New Mexico, Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Research and Scholarship
Morrell NT, Weiss AC. Silicone Metacarpophalangeal Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis: Long-Term Results. J Hand Surg Am. 2018; 43(3):229-233. PMID: 29146506.
Morrell, N.T. and Weiss, A-P.C. 2018. Total Wrist Arthroplasty for Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures. In: Borrelli, J. and Anglin J.O. eds. Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Fractures in the Older Patient: Indications and Current Techniques. Arlington, VA: Springer, Chapter 6.
Morrell NT, Menon NG, Nolan JE. Management of Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Hyperextension in the Setting of Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2022; 30(15):703-710. PMID: 35472011
Morrell NT, Dahlberg RK, Scott KL. Electrical Stimulation Use in Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Injuries. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2024; 32(4):156-161. PMID: 38109725