Longtime SCI Oncologist Bryan Martin Ready for Busy Retirement

Dr. Bryan Martin is a fixture at Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute (SCI). An oncologist who made his start in internal medicine, Dr. Martin was uniquely prepared to help his patients manage their overall health as they navigated cancer treatment.

“Some patients I met during my time as an internist still see me,” he says. “It’s hard to say goodbye to them.”

His impact on the community is expansive. There are too many “thank you” cards for any bulletin board or shelf, and Dr. Martin keeps each one. They sit in a large decorative basket in his office.

“That is my most prized possession,” he says.

But Dr. Martin always planned to retire in his mid-50s, so it’s time for him to (mostly) step away from medicine. His final day at SCI and as a full-time physician is Oct. 13, but he will provide periodic outreach services at Central Montana Medical Center Helmsley Cancer Center in Lewistown.

That desire to keep a small tether to his medical career is indicative of Dr. Martin’s busy nature. He painted houses during college and his early medical school days, and he didn’t set the brush down for very long. He and his wife, Kimberly, operate a real estate business with rental properties, so he continues to paint walls and make repairs.

He’ll have more than the business to keep him busy during retirement. His three grown children are scattered across the country; one is in medical school, one in law school, and his first grandchild is due soon, so there is “lots of traveling to do.”

Dr. Martin is also an active amateur astronomer, an interest that grew into a robust hobby during the pandemic. He now remotely operates a telescope located in Utah to observe exoplanet transits. The telescope is programmed to photograph stars and the levels of light they emit as exoplanets travel in front of them. His work is featured on the NASA website.

“I’ve been featured in more publications as an astronomer than an oncologist,” he says.

Dr. Martin also plans to dedicate more time to his other hobbies, like hiking and scuba diving. He and his wife have a two-week scuba trip planned. He is excited to spend more uninterrupted quality time with Kim, who supported the demands of his career over the years.

“She never complained about the life or the call hours or any of it,” he says. “I couldn’t retire at this age without her.”

But for all the experiences and precious moments Dr. Martin stands to gain during retirement, he will miss the camaraderie at SCI.

“I’ve been very fortunate over the years,” he says. “The oncology staff has been the best to work with, and caring for patients at SCI has been a real team effort.”

Dr. Martin and his nurse, Sue Reppe, have worked together for 15 years.

“I couldn’t do this without her,” he says. “I was worried she would retire before me.”

He will miss working with his entire team, including Alex VanZuyt, LPN, Whitney McKinley, NP, Meghan McGrath, NP, and the amazing group of infusion nurses at SCI.

Practicing with fellow oncologist and hematologist Patrick Tang has also been a joy for Dr. Martin.

“He has been the best medical partner and an absolute gem.”

Dr. Martin is grateful for the evolution of his practice over 26 years. As an internist, patients often came to him with a list of problems. As an oncologist, they came with a “blank book,” ready to hear the plan.

“You get your formal education, then you learn from your patients,” he explains. “Much of the work I do is based on knowledge patients have given me, and I thank them for teaching me.”

As difficult as it is to say goodbye, Dr. Martin is ready to take his basket of cards home now.

“When it comes to choosing this line of work, you never question that you did something right.”