Harold Ellis, a towering figure in British medicine, died on March 25, 2026, at the age of 100. A distinguished surgeon, clinical anatomist, and medical educator, Ellis left an indelible mark on the medical profession. His career spanned over seven decades, beginning alongside the inception of the National Health Service (NHS) and continuing into his later years as a revered professor.

Born in Stepney Green, London, on January 13, 1926, Ellis was the youngest of four children to dressmakers. He attended St Olave's Grammar School before gaining admission to Oxford University Medical School. He qualified as a doctor in July 1948, the very month the NHS was established, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to public health and surgical excellence.

Following his initial posts at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford, Ellis served his country as a captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps from 1950 to 1951. During this time, he managed severe trauma cases, including spinal and cranial injuries of soldiers returning from the Korean War. This formative experience solidified his surgical expertise, leading him to further training in London, Sheffield, and Oxford.

In 1962, Ellis took up the foundation chair of surgery at Westminster Medical School, a position he held with distinction until his retirement from clinical practice in 1989. As a consultant surgeon, he developed particular interests in abdominal and breast surgery. He was known as a meticulous operator and a compassionate clinician who prioritized patient care while simultaneously advancing surgical techniques.

Beyond the operating theatre, Ellis was a world-renowned educator and author. In 1960, he published the first edition of 'Clinical Anatomy,' a seminal textbook that bridged the gap between anatomical theory and surgical practice. The book became a definitive resource, guiding countless generations of medical students and junior doctors through its numerous editions over the ensuing decades.

After retiring from active surgical practice, Ellis refused to step away from medicine entirely. He transitioned to teaching anatomy, first at the University of Cambridge and later at King's College London School of Medicine, where he was appointed professor in 1993. His dissecting room sessions were legendary, and he continued to inspire students with his profound knowledge and enthusiasm well into his eighties.

Ellis's leadership within the medical community was extensive. He served as Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal Society of Medicine, and was president of the British Association of Surgical Oncology. In recognition of his monumental contributions to medicine, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1987.

The legacy of Harold Ellis was cemented not only through his writings and teachings but also through the awards established in his name. Both the International Journal of Surgery and the Royal College of Surgeons created annual prizes honoring his commitment to surgical excellence and student mentorship. He was survived by his family, including his two children and six grandchildren, leaving behind a medical community forever enriched by his pioneering spirit and dedication.