Martina Byttner

Dr. Martina Byttner is a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at Karolinska University Hospital and a PhD Student at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet. Her research focuses on the treatment of bone metastases, particularly exploring global disparities in managing skeletal metastases. Her work involves comparative studies on treatment practices and outcomes in Sweden, South Africa, and Uganda, aiming to inform strategies for improving care in resource-limited settings.

Dr. Martina Byttner’s research interests lie at the intersection of orthopedic oncology and global health. Her work primarily focuses on the treatment of skeletal metastases, a prevalent complication in cancer patients that significantly impacts mobility, quality of life, and overall outcomes. Driven by the increasing global burden of cancer, her research aims to bridge disparities in access to care and treatment outcomes between high-income and resource-limited settings.

As part of her doctoral studies at Karolinska Institutet, Dr. Byttner is conducting a series of interconnected studies to evaluate current treatment strategies for pathological fractures caused by skeletal metastases. Her projects include comparative analyses of treatment practices in Sweden and South Africa, investigations into care pathways in Uganda, and explorations of advanced surgical approaches for patients with favorable prognoses. Employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, she seeks to document barriers to care and identify actionable solutions to improve treatment outcomes globally.

Dr. Martina Byttner is committed to supporting the education and development of medical students. From September 2023 to March 2024, she worked as a Clinical Teaching Physician in Orthopedic Surgery at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge. During this time, she was honored to receive multiple nominations for the "Best Tutor Award" from her students, a recognition she greatly values.

Dr. Byttner also plays an active role in the five-week “Global Surgery” course at Karolinska Institutet, which addresses global disparities in access to surgical care. The course explores topics such as surgical ethics, epidemiology, health indicators, and the challenges of providing care in low-resource settings. By focusing on operative specialties and anesthesia, the course aims to equip students with the knowledge and awareness needed to address global surgical inequities.

Through her teaching, Dr. Byttner strives to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment that inspires students to think critically and develop the skills necessary to meet the challenges of modern healthcare, both locally and globally.