Michael Galvez, MD

Board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Michael Galvez joined Valley Children’s Specialty Medical Group as director of the pediatric hand and upper extremity program in 2019. He provides a team-based approach and cares for the full spectrum of pediatric hand and upper extremity conditions, from common fractures and trauma to the most complex congenital hand differences, brachial plexus injuries, and reconstructive challenges.

Dr. Galvez’s training reflects a pursuit of excellence. He earned his undergraduate degree in molecular and cell biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine. He completed a six-year integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at Stanford, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society, the highest academic honor in medicine. He then pursued two subspecialty fellowships: a combined hand and microvascular surgery fellowship at the University of Washington Medical Center, and a pediatric upper extremity surgery fellowship at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

As an active researcher and educator, Dr. Galvez has published various peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and abstracts. He serves as a regional editor for the Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online, fellow of The American College of Surgeons (FACS) and is an active member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the American Association for Hand Surgery. In 2023, he was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and has received two Valley Children’s Board of Trustees Awards for clinical and community leadership.

Beyond his surgical practice, Dr. Galvez is committed to expanding access pediatric hand surgery care and education, advocating for access and promoting a comprehensive team-based approach for the care of children with hand conditions. He pioneered National Latino Physician Day and has been recognized by the National Hispanic Medical Association for his advocacy for diversity in medicine.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Galvez also enjoys illustration and spending time with his family in the Central Valley.
 

Practice Philosophy

“It is a privilege to care for children and their families facing highly specialized and common problems of the hand and upper extremity. My goal is to provide quality care, through a comprehensive approach, with the hopes of improving the lives and function of my patients.”