At Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence, we’re proud to work alongside physicians who bring not only exceptional skill to their specialties, but also a deep sense of purpose and service to the communities they serve. Few stories capture that spirit more than the incredible journey of the Kobayashi brothers—Dr. Ky Kobayashi, Dr. Todd Kobayashi, and Dr. Dayton Kobayashi.

Recently featured in the April Physician Spotlight by the El Paso County Medical Society, the Kobayashi brothers exemplify what it means to serve through medicine. Colorado natives and graduates of the United States Air Force Academy, the three brothers practice in different specialties, but are united by their dedication to healing, teaching, and giving back.

Humble Roots and High Standards

Raised in the small farming community of Sterling, Colorado, the Kobayashi brothers grew up with strong family values, a connection to nature, and a deep respect for education. Their parents, both schoolteachers, helped shape their values—especially their father’s love of science, which would inspire all three sons to pursue careers in medicine.

Each brother’s journey into healthcare was also influenced by their experiences at the Air Force Academy, where mentors like Brigadier Generals Hans J. Mueh and Orwyn “O” Sampson helped them see how science and service could come together in the practice of medicine.

Three Paths, One Calling

Although they pursued different specialties, each brother took a unique and meaningful path in medicine:

• Dr. Ky Kobayashi completed medical school at the University of Colorado, then went on to residency and fellowship training in upper extremity surgery. He served for 20 years in the military and completed multiple combat deployments, including time at the 332nd Balad Air Force Theater Hospital in Iraq—once the busiest trauma center in the world.
• Dr. Todd Kobayashi, a dermatologist and former residency program director, served in the Air Force for 28 years and participated in humanitarian missions to Central and South America. His passion for education has left a lasting legacy, with former residents still reaching out to him for mentorship.
• Dr. Dayton Kobayashi, also retired military, played a critical role in wartime medicine, helping stabilize and transport severely injured patients in multiple deployments. He has a deep appreciation for the teamwork and precision of combat casualty care.

Each brother speaks with gratitude for the opportunities they were given—from being nominated to the Air Force Academy to serving in combat zones—and each sees medicine as a way to give back.

A Shared Commitment to Colorado Springs

After decades of military service and global medical experience, the Kobayashi brothers all chose to return home to Colorado. With their final duty stations in or near Colorado Springs, it was a natural choice to plant roots close to family and contribute to the health of the community that shaped them.

Today, they live and work in Colorado Springs, continuing to care for patients and serve as mentors in their respective fields.

Leading by Example

The Kobayashi brothers’ careers are filled with peak experiences—life-saving surgeries, humanitarian missions, and years of mentorship—but what truly defines them is their collective commitment to service, family, and community.

We’re proud to call Dr. Ky Kobayashi a part of the CCOE/OCC team, and we celebrate the impact all three brothers have had on medicine, the military, and the lives of countless patients.

Learn More

To read the full article from the El Paso County Medical Society, visit their April Physician Spotlight feature.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ky Kobayashi or to learn more about upper extremity orthopedic care at CCOE, click here to request an appointment.