October 26, 2021
Meet Zach Meyer, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Meyer cares for pediatric and adolescent patients with orthopedic injuries and conditions, and has special interests in treating lower extremity disorders such as hip dysplasia, bowlegs, knock knee, clubfeet, flatfeet, and limb differences.
Where are you from? Anything fun/special about your hometown?
I grew up in Melville, New York.
What made you choose orthopedics as a specialty?
My parents definitely influenced me. My dad was an orthopedic surgeon, and my mom stayed at home with my twin sister and younger brother when we were kids and later worked with kids with special needs in the elementary school. I think I wanted to take care patients like my dad, and take care of people and families like my mom. Pediatric orthopedics couldn't be a better fit.
What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics? How long have you been with Washington University?
I initially came to Washington University for my undergraduate studies as part of the University College of Arts and Sciences, and then later, the School of Medicine. That was 14 years ago! I have remained a part of WashU ever since. I recognized in medical school that I wanted to train here for residency, and by the end of my residency, I recognized I wanted to work here. I am inspired by my partners to deliver excellent care, and I take pride in training the residents, who will be the future leaders of the field.
What aspect of your practice do you find most interesting or rewarding?
Within pediatric and adolescent orthopedics, I enjoy taking care of hip, lower extremity, and foot/ankle problems. In clinic I may see developmental, traumatic, post-traumatic/degenerative, or infectious/inflammatory problems. The variety keeps things interesting. Whatever the case, I really enjoy working with families to get the patient back to activities they enjoy.
What's the best thing about working and practicing at an academic medical center?
The best thing about working at an academic medical center like WashU is that we can take care of any patient that walks in the door. Within the pediatric ortho division, we all work collaboratively to ensure a patient is best taken care of, and within the larger hospital system, we work with medicine, general surgery, the emergency department and other services to ensure the highest level of care.
What’s the best advice you ever received and who/what was it from?
Perry Schoenecker, MD, always says, "Look where you can't see" when we're putting on a spica cast. You don't want any rough edges bothering a patient. Spica cast or not, it's a good reminder to slow down and re-evaluate to make sure you're doing the right thing for the patient.
Who settled down with you in St. Louis?
My wife, Lauren, is an STL native and inpatient adult psychiatrist in the Department of Psychiatry at WashU. We have a 4-year-old dog named Charlie and are expecting our first child in December.
Dr. Meyer treats patients at the new St. Louis Children's Specialty Care Center - South County, St. Louis Children's Specialty Care Center in West County, St. Louis Children's Hospital on the medical campus, and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Learn more about Dr. Meyer and and why patients choose Washington University Orthopedics.