Michael J. Puchowicz, MD, is a pediatric sports medicine physician at Phoenix Children's. Dr. Puchowicz has specialized training in pediatrics, sports medicine, non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, sport-specific rehabilitation, concussion management and sports performance.

Dr. Puchowicz was inspired to become a sports medicine physician because it involves his two great passions: sports performance and medicine. He combines his lived experience as a competitive cyclist and his research expertise to optimize the care he provides to each of his patients.

Dr. Puchowicz graduated magna cum laude from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, and completed two years of research fellowship work for the National Institute of Mental Health before earning his medical degree at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. He completed residency training in pediatrics at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Dr. Puchowicz completed a primary care sports medicine fellowship at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

After his extensive medical training, he also earned a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine (CAQSM). Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Puchowicz also is a research committee member for the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.

Before joining Phoenix Children's, Dr. Puchowicz worked as a team doctor for the Arizona State University Sun Devils and USA Triathlon's Project Podium, an elite development program for athletes, as well as other high school and collegiate sports teams.

In his free time, Dr. Puchowicz enjoys time outdoors and staying active with his family. Depending on the season, he may be skiing, cheering on a sports team or competing in mountain bike events.