Fernando K. Cruz, M.D. is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow reconstruction, upper extremity sports medicine, and hand & upper extremity trauma. A proud Central Valley native, he attended Bullard High School, and graduated from UC Merced with his B.S. in bioengineering. He then earned his medical degree at the UC Davis School of Medicine. He returned to the Central Valley and completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at UCSF-Fresno, followed by advanced fellowship training in shoulder and elbow reconstruction surgery at Cedars-Sinai / Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Center in Los Angeles. 

As an upper extremity specialist, his clinical interests span from shoulder to fingertip, including, but not limited to: arthritis, rotator cuff tears, AC joint injuries, tendon disorders, dislocations & instability, fractures, periscapular problems, and revision surgery. He particularly enjoys complex cases, including those that may require operating alongside other local surgeons. He also advocates for bringing new techniques and technologies to the area, such as 3D-printed custom implants and robotic-assisted arthroplasty.

He believes strongly in patient-centered care that is focused on understanding how symptoms impact your lifestyle and activities, and works with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, starting with nonoperative measures and pursuing surgery only as necessary. 

When he’s not taking care of patients, you will find him spending time with his wife and dogs, working on the yard, or shopping at Costco.