Austin A. Pitcher, M.D., Ph.D.

I originally grew up in Minnesota and completed my Bachelor of Science at St. Cloud State University. My initial draw to California was for graduate school where I completed a PhD in Chemistry at the University of California Berkeley. Following this, I realized that my career goals were to focus more on patient care and I traveled to New York for medical school at Columbia University. I was then brought back to the Bay Area to pursue my residency training in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California San Francisco. During this time, I developed a special interest in upper extremity surgery including the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. This led me to seek subspecialty fellowship training in hand surgery at the Cleveland Clinic with renowned surgeons such as Dr. Peter Evans and Dr. Harry Hoyen. Under their guidance, I had the opportunity to become comfortable with a wide variety of complex hand and upper extremity surgeries including microvascular injuries, nerve and tendon repairs and transfers, and complex fracture fixation. My fellowship training included pathology extending from the fingertips up to the shoulder, and encompassed both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for these problems.

My special interests include management of all hand, wrist and elbow conditions, including nerve and tendon injuries in both the general and athletic populations. I also treat all common conditions of the upper extremity including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, thumb arthritis, fractures, and shoulder rotator cuff tears. As your physician, my goal is to explain the nature of your condition as well as both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. I utilize a shared decision making approach, allowing me to tailor your treatment to you as an individual so as to achieve your personal goals and maximize your quality of life.

I live in Oakland with my wife, Valerie, and our two golden retrievers. My outside interests include hiking, snowboarding, woodworking, and all of the amazing outdoor activities that California has to offer.