Background: Dr Julian M Bruner (MD) was an American general and hand surgeon (1900 – 1997). Bruner’s contributions to hand surgery are widely recognised and still used by hand surgeons worldwide. Methodology: A literature review was undertaken on the life and history of JM Bruner. Results: After graduating from Rush Medical College in 1927 Bruner completed his residency in the Mayo clinic. In 1929, he passed the first ever setting of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) England primary examination in Toronto, Canada. He went to London in 1932 to sit the final FRCS where he failed twice and returned to the USA. During World War II he worked as a lieutenant Colonel in the US Army under Bunnell in Texas, operating on many hand injuries. In 1946 he joined other surgeons in founding the American Society for the Hand. His publication on incisions for plastic and reconstructive surgery of the hand (1951) is largely regarded as the foundation for modern day principles of hand surgery incisions. His “Zig-Zag” volar approach to the fingers (1967) revolutionised access to flexor tendons and volar structures in hand surgery. He later returned to London where he joined the British Society for Surgery of the Hand. In 1973 he was awarded an honorary FRCS from RCS England. Conclusion: JM Bruner overcame many setbacks and challenges throughout his life. His dedication, resilience and passion for hand surgery resulted in significant contributions to the field including surgical techniques which are stilled used in modern day hand surgery.