Mary K. Thayer, MD

Dr. Mary Kate Thayer is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery. She cares for both adults and children. Dr. Thayer received her BA in psychology from the University of Washington and her MD from Saint Louis University School of Medicine where she graduated Alpha Omega Alpha (highest honors). She then returned home to the Northwest and completed her Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the University of Washington. To finalize her training, she relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, and completed a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at the Curtis National Hand Center, one of the top fellowship programs in the country. There, she received world-class training in the treatment of both common and complex disorders of the hand and upper extremity. Dr. Thayer is published in the topics of hand, wrist, and trauma surgery and has presented much of this research at national and local meetings. In addition, she has a passion for mentoring and education. She has participated in the Perry Outreach Program and the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society’s mentorship program. These programs both share a goal of inspiring young women to become leaders in orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Thayer finds satisfaction in helping patients restore function of their upper extremity to return to work, family, hobbies, and sports. She works directly with patients to develop individualized care plans, both surgical and non-surgical, to achieve these goals. This is achieved through open communication with patients and education about the diagnosis and treatment options. She prides herself on a thorough and thoughtful approach to each patient. She has a special interest in fractures, sports injuries, arthritis, and nerve conditions of the upper extremity. Dr. Thayer is a local Washingtonian. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Lew, and her daughter. She is an avid runner, cooking enthusiast, and Seattle sports fan.