Martin Hirigoyen Kelly, a name that has become synonymous with excellence in craniofacial surgery, was not just a distinguished medical professional but also a philanthropist whose work transformed the lives of countless children. His untimely death in 2008 shocked the world, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire in both the medical field and humanitarian circles.

Early Life and Education

Born in London in 1965, Martin was initially known as Martin Hirigoyen. He later adopted his mother’s maiden name, Kelly. Growing up between London and Paris, Kelly was educated in both cities, attending the prestigious Winchester College and later pursuing medical studies at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School in London. Even during his student years, Kelly’s striking looks allowed him to take on modeling jobs, helping to finance his education. But it was his deep commitment to medicine that defined his career path.

Specialization in Craniofacial Surgery

After completing his education, Martin Kelly’s passion for plastic and reconstructive surgery led him to specialize in craniofacial surgery. This field, focused on the correction of congenital deformities of the skull, face, and jaw, became his life’s work. After earning his degree in 1989, Kelly underwent extensive training in Oxford and London, becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1993. His career soon took him to New York, where he spent two years as a fellow at the Mount Sinai Hospital, focusing on microsurgery and craniofacial reconstruction. This experience was pivotal, forming the foundation for his later work in the field.

Career Achievements and Facing the World

Kelly’s career flourished as he became a leading figure in the field of craniofacial surgery. He worked as a consultant surgeon at the renowned Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. His expertise and compassionate care earned him the title of one of the UK’s top plastic surgeons.

However, Kelly’s impact extended beyond his role as a surgeon. In 2003, he co-founded Facing The World, a charity aimed at providing life-changing facial reconstructive surgery to children from across the globe who suffered from severe facial deformities. This initiative was sparked by Kelly’s own experiences working with Médecins Sans Frontières in Afghanistan, where he encountered a young girl with a facial abnormality that could only be treated through complex surgery. This deeply moving experience led Kelly to launch the charity, which has since transformed the lives of over 30 children, providing them with the medical care they could not receive in their home countries.

His Medical Philosophy

Kelly’s work as a craniofacial surgeon was driven by a profound sense of compassion and humanitarianism. He not only focused on the physical aspects of surgery but also understood the emotional and psychological toll that facial deformities take on individuals, especially children. His approach to surgery was holistic, addressing the emotional needs of patients and their families as much as their physical needs.

Kelly’s expertise in rhinoplasty (nose surgery) earned him the nickname “the king of rhinoplasty” in medical circles. His skill in nasal reconstruction was so renowned that he was called upon to perform surgeries on high-profile individuals, including socialites and celebrities. His approach to surgery was meticulous, always striving for perfection and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve the best outcomes for his patients.

Personal Life and Impact

Martin Kelly’s personal life was as remarkable as his professional one. He was a devoted husband to actress Natascha McElhone, with whom he had a son, and a loving father to their children. Colleagues and friends described him as not only an extraordinary surgeon but also a talented painter, writer, and sportsman—truly a Renaissance man. His sudden death in 2008, at the age of 43, from a suspected heart attack sent shockwaves through the medical community and left a void that would be hard to fill.

The tributes that followed his passing were a testament to the high regard in which he was held. His colleagues at the London Plastic Surgery Associates and those who worked with him at Facing The World spoke of his passion for his work, his generosity of spirit, and his steadfast dedication to enhancing his patients’ quality of life.  As a surgeon, he brought hope to children with severe facial deformities, and as a philanthropist, he changed the course of their lives.

Legacy and Ongoing Influence

Though Martin Kelly’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on through the charity Facing The World, which continues to provide surgical interventions for children in need. His contributions to the field of craniofacial surgery have set high standards for future generations of surgeons. Kelly’s innovative techniques and compassionate care continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. His work not only advanced the field of surgery but also made a lasting difference in the lives of those who had no other options.

Today, the memory of Martin Kelly serves as an enduring reminder of the power of medicine to heal both body and soul. His story is one of skill, dedication, and, most importantly, compassion. Through his work, Kelly demonstrated that medical professionals can make an immense difference in the lives of those who are often overlooked, transforming not just their appearance but also their lives.

FAQs 

Who was Martin Hirigoyen Kelly?

Martin Hirigoyen Kelly was a prominent British craniofacial surgeon, philanthropist, and the co-founder of the charity Facing The World, which provides life-changing surgeries to children with severe facial deformities. Born in 1965, Kelly became known for his exceptional surgical skills and dedication to helping those in need, especially children who could not receive treatment in their home countries. His work transformed countless lives, making him a respected figure in both the medical community and the world of charity.

What was Martin Kelly’s professional background?

Kelly’s professional journey began in London, where he attended St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School. After completing his medical education in 1989, he trained in plastic surgery at several prestigious hospitals in London and Oxford. His specialization in craniofacial surgery led him to a fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, where he honed his skills in microsurgery and facial reconstruction. Over time, Kelly became a consultant at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and the Royal Marsden Hospital, where his innovative surgical techniques helped advance the field of craniofacial surgery.

What is Facing The World and how was it founded?

Facing The World is a UK-based charity that provides complex reconstructive surgeries for children with severe facial deformities from developing countries. The charity was founded by Martin Kelly in 2003, alongside his colleague Norman Waterhouse. The initiative was inspired by Kelly’s humanitarian work with Médecins Sans Frontières in Afghanistan, where he treated a young girl with a facial abnormality. The charity continues to operate, helping children in need of life-changing surgery that they cannot receive in their home countries​.

In Summary

Martin Hirigoyen Kelly was not just a gifted surgeon; he was a true humanitarian whose legacy will continue to resonate for many years to come. His work in craniofacial surgery, his contributions to Facing The World, and his personal qualities as a devoted family man and friend make him a figure who continues to inspire the world, long after his untimely passing. His life reminds us that medicine, when practiced with compassion and care, can truly change the world for the better.

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