May 02, 2022

Meet Martin Boyer, MD, MSc

Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Specialist 

Dr. Boyer sees patients with acute injuries and arthritic conditions affecting the hand, wrist, or forearm. Dr. Boyer is also a part of our team performing reconstructive microsurgery of the upper and lower extremities following trauma, tumor or infection.

Where are you from?

I was born in Montreal and raised in Toronto. I grew up a fan of the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Blue Jays. 

What made you choose orthopedic surgery as a specialty?

As part of the first-year anatomy course at the University of Toronto Faculty (School) of Medicine, I was assigned to observe surgery at Sunnybrook Medical Center. I was introduced to Dr. Jim Kellam, who performed a femoral nail surgery. I was hooked on orthopedic surgery, and then hand surgery and microvascular surgery after that. 

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?

Richard H. Gelberman, MD - former Department Chair, recruited me after my Indiana Hand Center fellowship in 1997. I have been here since then. St. Louis is now my home!

What aspect of your practice do you find most interesting or rewarding?

Several things: teachings residents and fellows, providing care for complex arthritic problems of the hand and wrist, and operating with my partners - most notably, Dr. David Brogan, who heads our orthopedic microsurgery service.  

Was there a past patient who made a lasting impact on you?

A young boy for whom we did the first epiphyseal plate transplant in St. Louis, to treat a sarcoma of his shoulder.  

Anything new on the horizon for hand/microsurgery care?

Dr. Brogan and I are doing several studies on free flap transfer perfusion and outcomes. 

What is the best advice you ever received and who was it from? 

Be credible, not incredible. - Richard Gelberman, MD

Life is about recognizing opportunities, not creating them. - Paul Manske, MD

When asked your opinion on anything, always respond positively, at least initially. - Alan Gross

Seek first to understand, then to be understood. - Stephen Covey 

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Play guitar, gardening, and go to Blues hockey games with my family. 

If you weren't a physician, what would you like to be doing?

Sports photographer, specializing in black and white images.

Anything else you would like to share?

Monty, my 10-year-old Coton de Tulears, approves of this message. 

Learn more about Dr. Boyer and why patients trust Washington University Orthopedics for their hand and microsurgery care.