MEET

DR AUSTIN PITCHER

Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr Austin A Pitcher

LOCATIONS

  • Dublin

  • Oakland

PHILOSOPHY OF CARE

“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.”

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SERVICES

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About Dr Pitcher

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.

  • Bachelors of Science, Saint Cloud State University (Saint Cloud, MN)
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
  • Doctor of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons (New York, NY)
  • University of California, San Francisco (San Francisco, CA)
  • Fellow, Cleveland Combined Hand Fellowship (Cleveland, OH)

Reviews

About Dr Pitcher

H Beckett
Nov 02, 2024
Google

When I went to see Dr Pitcher I was miserable and in so much pain. When I left appt the pain was much less. Three days after appt I was pain free and able to resume my life. Life changing for me

victor perez
Oct 11, 2024
Google

There are many good physician but Dr., Austin Pitcher makes me feel that I am visiting a friend and always solve my health issues.

Michael M.
Sep 21, 2024
Yelp

Dr. Pitcher! Man, on man! Does he know how to throw strikes! Sorry! :) Seriously, Dr. Pitcher really helped me. I mean really, really helped me!! I saw him because of a shoulder problem. I also told him of an on going neck issue. He went right into action. He had me get 2 MRI's. (Oh, X-rays 1st; he reviewed x-rays with me during 1st appointment). The shoulder MRI shows a moderate issue (it really hurts sometimes, but "moderate", ok if you say so). That was addressed by Dr. Pitcher with a cortisone shot. He said try that and let him know, otherwise there's a minor procedure that could be entertained. Well, I'm dealing ok with that. But, more importantly -- the MRI for the neck -- severe stuff going on and he correctly and critically had me see the spine specialist (Dr. Hasan, who has been AWESOME) and a neurologist who performed 2 nerve studies. Dr. Hasan reviewed the MRI on the neck in detail (after Dr. Pitcher brought the issue to my attention). Here's the thing, a neck MRI had been done a year ago and indicated the same thing. I wish that MD had referred me to Dr. Hasan at that time! Thank goodness Dr. Pitcher came into the picture and referred me to Dr. Hasan. Now I am scheduled for a major surgery on the spine to address the issue. Scary, but I know I am in great hands with Dr. Hasan. Oh, ok, this is the last thing I'll say...Dr. Pitcher is a totally nice guy. I mean really, really kind and just a pleasant demeanor! The number 1 thing is that he's good. But, on top of that he's kind while being good at what he does!! Dr. Pitcher strikes out another problem! (sorry) lol

Darrell Zaballos
Jul 30, 2024
Google

Everything went great. He answered all my questions and we came up with some solutions.

Nadine Doyle-Mason
Jul 17, 2024
Google

Dr Pitcher is a really good Doc! He answered all my questions, and explained what was happening with my knee in a way that was easy to understand. He has great bedside manner! He ordered the test I needed without hesitation after he examined my knee. I highly recommend Dr Pitcher for orthopedic care.

Greg Ong
Jun 27, 2024
Google

Dr. Pitcher was very professional, listened to me describe my injury and provided a clear diagnosis with options to help remedy my shoulder/arm injury. He indicated on the xray that there appeared to be no structural damage and that the pain in my was likely due to soft tissue strain. I would request to see him again if needed in the future.

jose valenzuela
Apr 24, 2024
Google

Dr Pitcher performed surgery on both my hands and the results were excellent. From the initial interview to the final examination, Dr Pitcher was transparent and thorough about the procedure..He was informative about whatvto expect during and after the surgery. I fully endorse and recommend Dr Pitcher as a top rated Orthopedic Surgent.

KK Sridhar
Dec 12, 2023
Google

I have been treated by Dr Austin Pitcher for my left thumb injury in Nove 2021. The treatment continued for 3 months involving hand therapy and customized splint. It healed very well and my left thumb and hand are as good as it was prior. I have a tendonitis in my right wrist and Dr Pitcher is treating me right now. It is going well. I like Dr Pitcher’s approach. He is a good listener, goes about the diagnosis in a methodical step by step manner. He is empathetic and follows up well. I feel safe in Dr Pitcher’s care knowing he will resolve it well. I would recommend him strongly.

viri martin
Dec 05, 2023
Google

I highly recommend Doctor Austin Pitcher, his diagnosis and treatment helped me tremendously and his pleasant personality was a huge help to my nervous stage!

Lawrence Szeto
Aug 26, 2023
Google

Dr Pitcher was kind, passionate, professional. He answered all my questions.

George Rugg
Aug 25, 2023
Google

I am very pleased with my decision to have Dr Pitcher perform my endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgeries and highly recommend him to anyone requiring hand, wrist or elbow surgery. Both my surgeries were without complication and Dr Pitcher answered all my questions in a respectful and professional manner. I was given the option of having local anesthetic which allowed me to be awake during the procedures. While I understand that may not be for everyone, it did allow me to monitor the process: I was able to observe and hear every detail of the procedure and knew exactly what was happening. That had a really powerful calming effect since I never had to wonder what would have been going on had I been under a general. It really made me appreciate the skill required to perform such a procedure, all while managing the OR staff and keeping me informed of every step. Excellent job Dr Pitcher, and thanks!!!

Joseph Arruda
Jul 06, 2023
Google

Doctor Pitcher was very professional and personable. He went over all the treatment options and I was very happy with the outcome.

Reuben Toledo
May 19, 2023
Google

Dr Austin Pitcher has helped me each time I met with him. He’s very knowledgeable in his profession and I am very satisfied with my results. Give him a try. You may like your results as well.

donald bonds
May 16, 2023
Google

Dr.Pitcher explains Diagnostics in easy to understand terms. Listens to your concerns.

Jeff McCort
Apr 30, 2023
Google

Great Doctors and services. Unfortunately I've had to go here a bunch of times and had a couple of surgeries. Very good Doctors that care!

JB on Baseball
Mar 08, 2023
Google

I have complete confidence in Dr Pitcher as one of my go-to sports physicians. He has helped me with finger and wrist issues, treating me professionally and efficiently, and getting me back on the field quickly. Highly recommended.

Bhavit Desai
Mar 04, 2023
Google

Been to Dr Pitcher a couple of times for tendinitis and he is a genuinely caring doctor with amazing bedside manners. It’s not a 5 minute quick conversation after a 20 minute wait. Highly recommend him.

Debbie Shepard
Feb 28, 2023
Google

Dr Pitcher is very nice, experienced & helpful. I recommend him to anyone. He also a wonderful staff.

Rama Mehra
Feb 24, 2023
Google

Dr.Pitcher was my surgeon and he is one of the finest, caring and king doctors I have worked with. Highly recommend him !!

Ken DiBattista
Dec 29, 2022
Google

I had a great experience with Dr. Pitcher. He was direct, but empathetic when discussing my knee problems and was very helpful in discussing options for both the short term and long term treatment. I would definitely recommend him.

Frances Marzano
Dec 23, 2022
Google

When I wasn’t feeling heard by my orthopedic doctor, a friend referred me to Dr. Pitcher and I am finally getting the support and care that I need. He is attentive, kind, knowledgeable and I highly recommend him.

Catherine E.
Jul 13, 2022
Yelp

Dr Pitcher is the kind of Orthopedist you want. Very smart, caring, and articulate. He is a good listener, and while he is efficient with his time, one never feels rushed. He makes sure he has answered all your questions before ending the visit. I would give him six stars if I could!

Fran T.
Jun 14, 2021
Yelp

Dr. Austin Pitcher is an excellent caring doctor.  I went in today with a very painful hand, an X-ray was done before I saw the doctor.  Dr. Pitcher was very informative and gave me my options.  I decided to have a cortisone shot to relieve the pain, I'm so glad I did.  He administered the injection and it was very tolerable.  Feeling very thankful.

Greg R.
Dec 12, 2020
Yelp

I had a hand injury.  Everything you want from a doctor - smart, articulate, good diagnosing skills, gets to the point, knows his stuff.

5 (24 ratings)

Assisting the Doctor:

Golden State Ortho Doctor showing caring hands

Golden State Ortho Doctors are assisted by our clinical support teams which include Medical Assistants, X-Ray Technicians and more.

Reviews Mean So Much!

Reviews mean so much to both the specialist providing care as well as to prospective patients. To write a review or read reviews written by other patients, visit the doctor’s review page.

Dr. Pitcher was very informative and gave me my options.  I decided to have a cortisone shot to relieve the pain, I’m so glad I did.  He administered the injection and it was very tolerable.  Feeling very thankful.

- Fran T

I had a hand injury.  Everything you want from a doctor – smart, articulate, good diagnosing skills, gets to the point, knows his stuff.

- Greg R