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Nirav Pandya

MD

Pediatric orthopedic surgeon
Director, Center for Sports Medicine for Young Athletes
Division Chief, Pediatric Orthopedics
Vice Chair, Pediatric Orthopedics
Former track and field athlete in the long and triple jumps

Dr. Nirav Pandya is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine for young athletes. He uses a variety of traditional and minimally invasive surgical techniques, providing care in both clinic and hospital settings. He has a particular interest in arthroscopic treatment (techniques that use a specialized endoscope) for cartilage and ligament injuries of the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder. He serves as vice chair and division chief of pediatric orthopedics, and director for the Center for Sports Medicine for Young Athletes.

Pandya's research interests include how single-sport specialization affects young athletes, developing techniques for treating cartilage and ligament injuries in growing athletes, and techniques for improving the outcomes of cartilage and ligament surgeries for the same group. He also studies outcomes of traumatic injuries in pediatric patients.

Pandya earned his medical degree at the University of Chicago and completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. He then completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at Rady Children's Hospital – San Diego.

Pandya is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a founding member of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society. He is also a member of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America and Arthroscopy Association of North America.

As an undergraduate at the University of Chicago, Pandya was on the track and field team, serving as captain during his senior year. He remains one of the top 10 triple jumpers in the school's history. While in medical school, he served as an assistant coach for the school's track and field team, coaching several national qualifiers in the long and triple jump. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, and exploring the outdoors in the Bay Area.



  • Education

    University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, 2005

  • Residencies

    Penn Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, 2010

  • Fellowships

    Rady Children's Hospital – San Diego, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, 2011

  • Board Certifications

    Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

"Because I was an athlete, I understand…how important sports are, what it means to each individual."

Where I see patients (9)

    I consider it my mission to get our young athletes back in the game as quickly as possible, using cutting-edge treatment.

    My work

    Back in the game and stronger than before

    Lucas' soccer ambitions led to injury after injury. Dr. Pandya and the UCSF sports medicine team showed him how he could perform well on the field, while staying injury-free.

    Saving future lives

    500+ UCSF investigators are researching cures for hundreds of childhood and adult diseases.

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