Dr. Robert D. Martin is passionate about restoring his patients’ lives through foot and ankle surgery. Horton’s Orthotics & Prosthetics is proud to share Dr. Martin’s Clinician Spotlight to offer a closer glimpse into his incredible work.
Dr. Martin has a simple and admirable way of measuring his success. “I have successfully treated a patient when they are able to tell me on their own will that they are better than they were before receiving my care,” he says. As a surgeon at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ orthopedic clinic in West Little Rock, Dr. Martin’s care focuses on treating foot and ankle conditions related to congenital disorders, traumatic injuries, and more.
Horton’s Orthotics & Prosthetics embraces the same principle of improving its clients’ lives by working with surgeons like Dr. Martin to provide custom prosthetics and orthotics, including foot orthotics and ankle braces. Through expert medical care and quality medical devices, patients can enjoy their lives and regain their mobility.
Want to learn more about Dr. Martin? Read his insightful responses to our clinician questionnaire.
How did you get to this point in your career?
I am an orthopedic surgeon, fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery. I received my M.D. degree from the University of Alabama before moving to Arkansas for my orthopedic surgery residency at UAMS. After finishing residency, I completed a one-year fellowship in foot and ankle surgery/lower extremity trauma at the Florida Orthopedic Institute in Tampa, Florida.
What kinds of patients do you see the most?
My patients’ ages range from 2 years old to 102 years old. I treat them for a variety of different issues, including congenital conditions, traumatic injuries, arthritis, diabetes, and sports injuries.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the variety of patients and problems I encounter on a daily basis. I love being in the operating room and performing surgery. Most of all, I love seeing patients get better and back to doing the things they love to do.
What do you think distinguishes your practice from others?
Being a part of the University of Arkansas system allows me to see patients from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and all parts of the state. We are able to provide patients with world-class care regardless of their financial circumstance or prior medical history.
Why do you refer patients to Horton’s?
I refer patients to Horton’s because they stand behind their work and take personal pride in it. If I ever have an issue, the Horton’s team is just a phone call away, and they make sure that the issue is addressed as soon as possible. I have been particularly pleased with the high-quality custom ankle braces and foot orthotics that Horton’s produces.
Do you have a memorable success story you would like to share?
I recently had a patient schedule a one-year post-op visit only to tell me “thank you” and bring a box of cookies to my staff. He drove several hours and was willing to pay his copay just to pass along his appreciation. I had treated him surgically with a major foot and ankle reconstructive procedure, and he had a fairly long recovery process. At his last visit, he told me he was walking without pain and instability for the first time in at least 10 years.
What do you envision for the future of your practice?
Continued growth both clinically and surgically in all areas of my practice. We are also currently in the process of developing a more accessible clinic for diabetic foot care, which will provide a dedicated clinic focused on a specific patient population that can be difficult to treat.
What are some of your outside interests and hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children. I work out regularly very early in the morning. I also enjoy mountain biking, snow skiing, running, cooking, grilling, and perusing estate sales and antique stores.
If you are a foot or ankle surgery patient who is interested in foot orthotics or ankle braces, contact Horton’s Orthotics & Prosthetics at 501-683-8889.
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