Michael A. de Arellano, Ph.D., serves as Chief Organizational Excellence Officer for the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and MUSC Health, where he leads the Division of Organizational Engagement and Excellence. He spearheads strategic initiatives aimed at fostering an environment where everyone feels genuinely welcomed, included, and engaged, promoting a profound sense of belonging. In addition, he collaborates on projects across the university and health system to help increase access to and quality of care, with the goal of improving health outcomes for all South Carolinians. Prior to this role, Dr. de Arellano served as a senior associate dean in the College of Medicine for 10 years, where he worked with his team on pathway, recruitment, mentorship, and retention efforts for students interested in careers in healthcare, medical students, residents, and faculty.

Dr. de Arellano came to MUSC in 1995, and he joined the faculty in 1998 as a clinical psychologist at the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center (NCVC) in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. His research and clinical programs have focused on increasing access to mental health services for trauma-exposed youth and families from underserved areas (e.g., economically disadvantaged, rural). In addition, he currently provides training and technical assistance to support communities affected by mass violence incidents. He and his colleagues are also involved in efforts outside the US mainland and international projects, including collaborations to support children recovering from Hurricane Maria and disseminating evidence-based treatments for trauma-exposed youth in Central America. Dr. de Arellano earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Miami, and he earned his master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He completed his predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship in traumatic stress at the NCVC at MUSC.