Dr. Nicholas D. Harrel, MD, FACS

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Tempe St. Luke's Hospital Chief of Surgery Advocates for Patient Education and Comprehensive Care

A distinguished general surgeon specializing in bariatric surgery, Dr. Harrel is the Chief of Surgery and Bariatric Medical Director at Tempe St. Luke's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He is dedicated to helping patients achieve long-term weight loss success through innovative procedures and patient education.

Graduating from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Joe and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, Dr. Harrel completed his surgical residency at Creighton University School of Medicine. He further honed his expertise in bariatric surgery at the Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, where he played a pivotal role in establishing a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. His commitment to excellence is underscored by his affiliation with the Bridges Center for Surgical Weight Management at Tempe St. Luke's Hospital, a certified Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program center.

Dr. Harrel’s surgical practice encompasses a range of procedures, including those aimed at addressing difficulties with swallowing and heartburn, alongside his primary focus on bariatric weight loss surgery. He believes that successful weight loss is not just about the surgery itself, but also about empowering patients through education. “Patient education is key to achieving long-term success with weight loss,” says Dr. Harrel. “Understanding the process, the changes required, and the support available is crucial for lasting results.”

In addition to his clinical practice, he is an esteemed teaching professor of surgery for the Mountain Vista General Surgery Residency Program, where he trains the next generation of surgeons. His dedication to education and mentorship is reflected in his recognition as a Top Doc in Phoenix and as an active Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. 

Advocating for a holistic, team-based approach to patient care, Dr. Harrel emphasizes the importance of treating the individual rather than just the disease. This philosophy, combined with his expertise in foregut and bariatric procedures, positions him as a leader in the field of minimally invasive surgery.

When he is not in the operating room, he enjoys cooking and shooting, and he treasures his vacations in Jamaica.

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