Dr. Monica Payares-Lizano is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and the Director of Neuromuscular Orthopedics at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where she is leading the development of the institution’s comprehensive neuromuscular and cerebral palsy program. She joins PCH after ten years of practice at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, where she served as Surgical Director of the Cerebral Palsy Center of Excellence and held multiple leadership roles, including treasurer of the Medical Executive Committee.
Originally from Colombia, Dr. Payares-Lizano completed her undergraduate studies with honors in Chemistry and Healthcare Administration at Florida International University. She earned her medical degree and completed her orthopedic surgery residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in New York, followed by a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.
Her clinical expertise spans the full spectrum of neuro-orthopedics, including cerebral palsy, complex neuromuscular disorders, gait analysis, hip surveillance, upper extremity neuromotor surgery, and global health. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented nationally and internationally.
Dr. Payares-Lizano is board certified in orthopedic surgery and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, where she serves on the Board of Directors. She previously chaired the Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and remains deeply involved in national leadership roles across the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, and the American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons.
A dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity in medicine, she has guided students from middle school through residency, particularly supporting women and underrepresented minorities in orthopedics. She was honored with a Congressional Recognition as a “Hispanic Woman of Excellence” for her service to the community.
Dr. Payares-Lizano is also co-founder of the Fundación Juan José Payares Bustos, which provides education, vocational training, and medical support to children and families in Galerazamba, Colombia, and coordinates medical missions for underserved communities.
