Meet Dr. Elvis Francois: Orthopedic Surgeon & Viral Singing Sensation

By Claire Harper

A conversation with Resurgens Orthopaedics’ Dr. Elvis Francois spinal surgeon and internet singing sensation

Dr. Elvis Francois practices medicine in more ways than one. In the scientific sense, he heals patients as a spinal surgeon at Resurgens Orthopaedics in metro Atlanta. In the artistic sense, he’s connected with millions of people through his music, particularly after his impromptu rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” went viral in March 2020.

Also in 2020, Dr. Elvis Francois released an EP of cover songs, “Music Is Medicine,” to benefit COVID-19 relief efforts, raising roughly $25,000. He also appeared as a contestant on season 4 of “The Masked Singer” and released an original song—the first he’s ever written—and music video in February 2022.

Here, we speak with Dr. Elvis Francois about both of his passions, and the sense of purpose he feels in connecting and healing others.

Claire Harper: Can you tell us what you do with Resurgens Orthopaedics?

Dr. Elvis Francois: I just recently joined the practice as an orthopedic spine surgeon. When possible, I offer patients nonoperative treatments including spine physical therapy and interventional procedures such as an epidural steroid injection. When those conservative treatments are not helping the patient, spine surgery is the last option. I guide my patients through spine surgery with the goal of getting them back to a good quality of life where they are no longer in pain.

CH: What made you fall in love with music?

Dr. Elvis Francois: When I was in my residency training, the hospital I worked at had pianos in different patient areas. Oftentimes we would just sit down, play the piano and sing, and it was really cool to see patients, nurses and people walking in the hospital stop by and share some music.

For me, it was a reminder of why I decided to become a doctor, which is to connect with and help people. It was the first time I realized that music could be a medium for healing. I never thought I would share music, but then I realized it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. There’s a part of the human experience, of the human soul, that music touches that you can’t really heal as a doctor.

CH: In addition to your EP, which was released to benefit COVID-19 relief efforts, how else do you like to give back?

Dr. Elvis Francois: I’m very passionate about increasing minority representation in STEM fields. So I do a lot of work mentoring kids in disenfranchised parts of the community and showing them what life is like if you work in healthcare. I’m also passionate about helping with the homelessness found in many major cities in America.

CH: You released a new original song called “Broken Pieces” in February. What’s your songwriting process like?

Dr. Elvis Francois: When I sat down to think about what music I’d like to share with people, it came down to how I can connect with people and move them. What inspired me was creating a project where anyone who listens to it can feel it. I believe when music means something, it goes further, and hopefully, the music I share with people has a deeper meaning and they can connect with it. www.ResurgensSpine.com, www.instagram.com/doctor.elvis.francois.