Dr. Steven Garcia is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who cares for infants, children and adolescents with a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders, pediatric trauma and other general and complex musculoskeletal conditions. He is committed to helping children achieve their highest level of function and return to the activities they enjoy.
In his research, Garcia is focused on skeletal muscle biology, stem cell heterogeneity (differences in cells from the same tissue) and musculoskeletal regeneration. His laboratory investigates how muscle stem cells and specialized cells called fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells regulate muscle repair, fibrosis and fatty degeneration after injury. By defining the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive tissue regeneration, his research aims to develop biologically informed treatments that improve healing and restore musculoskeletal function. His work has been supported by competitive national research awards and has been published in leading journals, including Science Translational Medicine, The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, The American Journal of Sports Medicine and eLife Magazine.
Garcia earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in bioengineering from the UC Riverside. He earned his medical degree with distinction from UCSF, where he also completed a residency in orthopedic surgery. He completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at Boston Children's Hospital – Harvard Medical School, where he received advanced training in caring for children with complex musculoskeletal conditions.
In addition to caring for patients, Garcia is passionate about training the next generation of orthopedic surgeons and physician-scientists. Throughout his career, he has mentored medical students, residents and basic science trainees, volunteered with the UCSF PlaySafe Sports Medicine Program, served as team physician for local high school athletes and participated in mentorship programs that expand opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing careers in medicine and science.
Outside of work, Garcia enjoys cooking and baking, running, hiking, camping, following Formula 1 races and basketball and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops.
