Francisco G. Valencia, MD

Dr. Francisco Valencia is a native of Nogales, Arizona and has been in practice since 1989. He is longest tenured Pediatric Orthopedist in Southern Arizona. He received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and medical degree from the University of California San Diego. He returned to San Diego after completing his orthopedic training at the University of Arizona to pursue his Pediatric Orthopedic fellowship at Rady Children’s Hospital. Dr. Valencia was a full-time faculty member at the University of Arizona for almost 9 years, but realized he was better able to meet the needs of the children and their families in a private practice setting. Along the way, he has been fortunate to have developed a successful practice at University Orthopedic Specialists and has remained active in clinical research, medical education and service to the community. Dr. Valencia is board certified and has re-certified twice.

Dr. Valencia’s practice is dedicated exclusively to pediatric orthopedics from newborns to young adults. Regardless of whether it is a newborn child or a high-level athlete, he strives to provide caring, outcome based, family centered attention. This is particularly true for families with children with disabilities. Dr. Valencia has had many opportunities to share his experiences and has been invited to participate in educational forums in Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America. He participates in the basic science teaching curriculum at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and works with medical students of all levels, as well as residents in Pediatrics, Orthopedics and Podiatry. Dr. Valencia is a member of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA), American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). He serves as the chair of the Education Committee for the AACPDM and is developing online courses for professionals interested in neurodevelopmental issues. He has been asked to be co-chair of the combined 73rd annual meeting of the AACPDM and 2nd meeting of the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disabilities (IAACD) in 2019

His current efforts have been directed at improving outcome measures for children undergoing surgery. Dr. Valencia’s research has focused on minimizing the use of narcotics after surgery and improving the peri-operative experience for patients and families. The results have been presented at major international meetings in Asia, Europe and North America.

Despite of these achievements, some of Dr. Valencia’s most memorable patient interactions are those that have come through his volunteer work at the St. Andrews Children’s Clinic in Nogales. This is a bi-national grass roots organization that provides medical attention for indigent Mexican children with chronic disabilities. He has been a volunteer for over forty years. It is a humbling experience that has allowed him to give back to his community.
Dr. Valencia is bilingual in English and Spanish and is married with two daughters.