Dr. Merlin Hamer, MD | San Diego, CA | Orthopedic Surgeon

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Dr. Merlin Hamer specializes in orthopedic surgery and brings 24 years of experience to his practice. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, where he developed his foundation in musculoskeletal care. Dr. Hamer focuses on helping patients overcome joint pain, hand conditions, and movement limitations that affect daily activities. He speaks English and works closely with patients to restore function and mobility.

Dr. Hamer practices at multiple Scripps locations throughout San Diego and La Jolla, with hospital affiliations at Scripps Green Hospital, Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. He treats conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and joint pain. His approach includes physical therapy and strength training to help patients regain movement and build lasting recovery. Patients have given him an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Overview based on verified provider data

4.1

19 Ratings
24 years of experience
speaks English
Georgetown University School Of Medicine
6 written reviews
1 specialty
16 areas of expertise
2 board certifications
4 hospital affiliations
3 office locations
Male

19 ratings & reviews

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Showing 1 to 6 of 6 reviews

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Was referred to Dr. Hammer by my PCP for an abnormal MRI or my middle finger knuckle joint. Was having severe pain. He didn’t review the MRI or my medical record and without doing so told me I probably had rheumatoid arthritis and that my issue couldn’t be corrected with surgery. He referred me to a rheumatologist even though i advised my doctor had already run tests for RA , and said that i should just soak my hand in warm water and take ibuprofen daily. After retesting confirmed I didn’t have RA I was referred to another Scripps hand surgeon who confirmed I needed joint replacement surgery. Which i subsequently had and has addressed the issue. My experience of this doctor was uncaring, lacking diligence and incompetent. Alternately He just didn’t want to deal with this issue. Either way this was a terrible experience and I do not recommend him.

March 11th, 2023

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Dr Jake Hamer has incredible knowledge of the very complex human hand and uncanny capacity to listen to his patients. I wouldn’t allow any other hand surgeon to inspect my digits! Awesome Doc!

January 28th, 2020

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Fell off a ladder and broke my wrist. Luckiest day of my life to be seen by Dr Hamer! Kind, considerate and so smart! Barely have a scar two years later!

August 6th, 2018

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Great surgeon and he has a wonderful and caring bedside manner. I never want to break my arm again but if I did he would be my first and only choice.

February 16th, 2017

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Best hand doctor in San Diego

July 30th, 2016

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Dr. Jake Hamer did surgery on my hand after a bad fall. He did great work and is a very nice person. He is patient and explains what needs to be done and what to expect afterward. I would go to him again without hesitation.

July 5th, 2013

Scripps Clinic Mission Valley - Building 7425

7425 Mission Valley Rd Ste 202San Diego, CA 92108

Tel: (858) 554-7989

Mon7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tue7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wed7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thu7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Fri7:00 am - 7:00 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed

Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines

10710 N Torrey Pines RdLa Jolla, CA 92037

Tel: (858) 554-7989

Mon7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tue7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wed7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thu7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Fri7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sat8:00 am - 12:00 pm

SunClosed

Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo

15004 Innovation DrSan Diego, CA 92128

Tel: (858) 554-7989

Mon8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tue8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wed8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thu8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri8:00 am - 5:00 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed


Dr. Merlin Hamer, MD	Dr. Michael Klassen, MD	Dr. John Edwin Fellow, MD	Dr. Mark David Jacobson, MD
Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic Surgery	Sports Medicine	Hand Surgery
	Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients
4.1 (19 Ratings)	4.9 (764 Ratings)	3.7 (6 Ratings)	3.7 (3 Ratings)
24 Years of Experience	37 Years of Experience	40 Years of Experience	37 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option	Virtual Visit Available	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English	Speaks English	Speaks English, Spanish	Speaks English
San Diego , CA	Monterey , CA	San Diego , CA	San Diego , CA
Med School: Georgetown University School Of Medicine	Med School: David Geffen School of Medicine - UCLA	Med School: Loma Linda University School Of Medicine	Med School: Keck School Of Medicine Of The University Of Southern California
Current Profile	View Profile	View Profile	View Profile

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Orthopedic Surgery

Arthroscopy
Bone Fracture
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Dupuytren's Contracture
Herniated Disc
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip Surgery
Joint Pain/Swelling
Joint Replacement
Knee Osteoarthritis
Laminectomy
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (Hand and Wrist)
Scoliosis
Sports Medicine
Surgery

MEDICAL LICENSE

Medical Doctor, California, 2026, Active

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Medical School

Georgetown University School Of MedicineGraduated in 2002

Dr. Janel Elyse Pietryga
Orthopaedic Trauma
9 Years Exp | San Diego, CA
(0)
Dr. Ben Dubois, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
28 Years Exp | LA MESA, CA
(12)
Dr. James Michael Bried, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
43 Years Exp | Poway, CA
(105)
Dr. Yeukkei Cheung, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
22 Years Exp | El Cajon, CA
(6)
Dr. Danh C Truong, MD
Family Medicine
46 Years Exp | San Diego, CA
(14)
Luis Espeyo
Orthopedic Surgery
| San Diego, CA
(0)
Dr. Mark Allan Silver, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
47 Years Exp | CARLSBAD, CA
(6)
Dr. Olgard Dabbert, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
68 Years Exp | San Diego, CA
(0)
Dr. Susan Mariscal Glockner, MD
Family Medicine
37 Years Exp | Encinitas, CA
(7)
Dr. Salil Upasani, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
| Escondido, CA
(0)

Which hospitals is Dr. Merlin Hamer affiliated with?: Dr. Merlin Hamer is affiliated with Scripps Green Hospital, Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Is Dr. Merlin Hamer accepting new patients?: Dr. Merlin Hamer has not indicated that they accept new patients. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.
How can I make an appointment with Dr. Merlin Hamer?: You can find contact information for Dr. Merlin Hamer here on Vitals.
What languages does Dr. Merlin Hamer speak?: Dr. Merlin Hamer speaks English.
Does Dr. Merlin Hamer accept virtual/telehealth appointments?: Dr. Merlin Hamer has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.

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