Elliot Morrison, MD

Bio

I have been practicing obstetrics and gynecology since 1987. I joined Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa in 1991. I chose this specialty because of its unique blend of primary care and specialty care, using both medical and surgical approaches. My particular interest has been infertility and endocrinology, although I also have a busy obstetrics and general gynecology practice.

My undergraduate degree, from the University of Texas at Austin, was in computer science. While working as a programmer in Houston, I lived with three medical students. Their enthusiasm for medicine sparked my interest, and soon I was back in Austin, compressing the pre-med curriculum into three semesters. My interest in endocrinology probably stems from certain similarities I saw between inter-organ communication and inter-computer communication.

I try to "Thrive" by finding time to exercise at least four times a week, either at the gym or at home on my ancient NordicTrack.

Lately, while driving back and forth to Antioch and Santa Teresa, I've been listening to taped courses about the history of language, which offers answers to questions like, "Does grammar channel the way we think?" and "Why do languages change over time?"

I believe in evidence-based medical care. This means that I try to find well-performed studies in the medical literature to support my recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, rather than just relying on my own clinical experience, individual patient anecdotes or intuitive hunches. Every decision to proceed or not proceed with a test or a treatment has risks, benefits, and alternatives and I want my patients to understand the benefits and risks of each alternative. I do not rule out the possible validity of alternative medicine therapies, but I think they should be subjected to the same tests of safety and efficacy as standard medical therapies. I like to think my patients come to me, personally, for care at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, not "to Kaiser" for care by any provider.

I know your time is valuable, and I really make an effort to schedule patients appropriately and see you at the stated appointment time. However, I also try, once I am in the treatment room, to spend the amount of time necessary for each patient. This means that if you (or any patient) has a 20-minute problem in a 15-minute appointment, I will give you (her) that time. Unfortunately, that also means I will be 5 minutes behind for my next patient (which just might be you). And emergencies do occur. Please understand, if I am late, it's because I am providing the same level of care to a preceding patient that you, yourself, would want. I will always try to keep you informed when I am running late.

My Medical Specialty

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Current projects or research:

Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect

The reason I’ve been driving to Antioch, Santa Teresa and the rest of the Bay Area is to participate in the creation of Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect, our electronic medical record HealthConnect brings many benefits to you and to me. I hope I now provide better care by having instant access to your medical record. When I get an x-ray report, lab result or message from you, I can look up my notes anytime, anywhere, and deal with it right away.

Your care by other providers should also be enhanced. Authorized providers are able to read my notes online, without having to decipher my handwriting! If I refer you to a sub-specialist or you are seen in the ED, the doctors will know exactly what I have done. You should know that the security of your record is state-of-the art.

Great health resources that I refer to:

Besides the usual journals, I make it a habit to read the Tuesday Science and Health sections in the New York Times. Lately, they've run a series on Being a Patient that I think every patient and doctor (in other words, everyone) should read.

Interests

Currently reading:
Infidel, by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. A memoir tracing one extraordinary woman's journey from Mogadishu, Somalia to the Dutch parliament

My favorite book or author:
The Sound and the Fury, by William Faulkner

Great movie:
Here's an oldie but goodie:

Hobby Photos & Links:

Here's where I get the courses I listen to in my car and while exercising. I can't praise this company's courses enough. I must have bought ten of them. But only buy a course when it goes on sale!

Family & Friends

My children and people I care about:

I live here in Santa Rosa with my wife and two of my three children. My eldest is a junior in college in Palo Alto. I spend a lot of my time away from work accompanying my kids to their various activities, orchestra concerts in particular.

Travel

An adventure I've had:

Here is your doctor, circa 1973, touring England. Check out the groovy '70s shirt.

Favorite place in the world:

Ein Gedi, Israel. Here David hid from Saul ( I Samuel 24:1). Continuously occupied since the Bronze Age. My home for several months in 1973 and again in 1979.

One of my recent trips:

Just about every summer, my family takes a trip back East. In previous years, we've taken hikes in the Adirondacks and toured Jamestown and Civil War sites. This summer, we did an East Coast college tour for my second child. We also spent a week on Cape Cod.

Travel Photos:

Stonehenge, England

A Photo of One of My Favorite Places:

Ein Gedi, Israel