Dr. Tania Pence
Orthopedic Surgeon
Los Alamos Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

• • • • • Editor’s note: This is part of a Q&A series featuring new providers at Los Alamos Medical Center:

Dr. Tania Pence is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. She brings 20 years of experience and expertise to her practice at Los Alamos Orthopedics & Sports Medicine inside Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC), where she began working on Dec. 1, 2025. She is affiliated with organizations such as the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and has served in small and large communities, and said she draws a lot from those experiences.

“I truly believe that small town care has such a needed personal touch that you really have a hard time finding in the bigger communities,” Dr. Tania Pence said.

Q&A

Post: What inspired you to specialize in orthopedics, and what is your favorite part of the job?

• Dr. Pence:  There are so many reasons why Orthopedic surgery was such a good fit for me.  I have always been involved in individual and group sports/activities (healthcare is the ultimate group activity)!  I enjoy working with my hands and learning new things.  Although I had many experiences and could have chosen another specialty, I felt that orthopedics encompassed all of those things.  It is incredibly gratifying to be able to help people overcome pain or limitations.  My favorite part of my job is being able to take very complex subjects and help people understand them on a real and meaningful level.

Post: What is your approach to patient care and philosophy regarding conservative (non-surgical) versus surgical treatment?

• Dr. Pence:  My approach is very patient centered.  I view my role as an educator.  My goal is for the patient to understand what their options are and to help them choose what may fit best given the circumstances.  I do not think that there is any one answer that is perfect for everybody. Although we have guidelines on treatments that we may recommend, there is so much more that plays into those decisions and can be very individual.  What I have learned over the years is that listening to the patient and understanding what their individual challenges are really helps tailor recommendations to work towards an outcome that is most satisfying to them.

Post: What specific subspecialty or type of orthopedic procedure (e.g., knee replacement, sports medicine) are you most passionate about?

• Dr. Pence:  Although I do a variety of orthopedic procedures, I do have special training in arthroscopic (small incision) shoulder and knee issues.  I also enjoy knee and shoulder replacement surgeries.

Post: What attracted you to this community, and what are you looking forward to most about serving patients here?

• Dr. Pence:  Having grown up in and around the mountains of Colorado, I gravitate to that kind of climate.  I appreciate the smaller community and the ability to get to know people on a more personal level.  

Post: Can you share a story about a patient whose life was significantly improved by your work?

• Dr. Pence:  There are certainly stories that will tend to stand out as more memorable because the injuries can be more severe, but to be honest, my cup is filled up, whether it be big or small issues that we help people through. Knowing they can get back to their life and function in the ways they desire will always be my favorite story.

Post: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques?

• Dr. Pence:  As a physician and surgeon, we have ongoing education and training that allows us to learn and practice the latest advancements in person and online.  There are publications that I receive and read as well. I tend to take a slower and thoughtful approach as I do not think every advancement is safe or fit for everyday practice. There can be some risk with early adoption of new technologies and how they translate to practice.

Post: What can a new patient expect during their first consultation with you?

• Dr. Pence:  Patients will immediately see that they will get more personal care from our office.  I aim for them to be able to understand what their issue is, what their treatment options may be, and what the ongoing care may look like.  Ideally, they would feel empowered to make an educated and reasonable decision for themselves.

Post: Beyond the surgical setting, what is your approach to collaborating with physical therapists to ensure patient recovery?

• Dr. Pence:  Physical therapy and orthopedic outcomes are intimately tied together.  While we as surgeons can put things together to allow for healing without therapy, the outcomes are not nearly as predictable or successful.  The physical therapist will be there for them on a weekly basis and will be eyes and boots on the ground.  Together with periodic visits with myself, we can form a team that guides the patient through their recovery.

Post: What do you want the community to know about you as a person outside of the operating room?

• Dr. Pence:  I am genuinely a curious person. I enjoy learning and trying new things.  One of the greatest joys in my life are my children. We love to go to concerts, plays, operas, movies, escape rooms, afternoon tea, and travel and explore.

Post: What is the best way for community members to learn more or schedule an appointment with you?

• Dr. Pence: People can reach us at 505-661-9118. Our office address is 3917 West Road Suite 225, Los Alamos, NM 87544. They can also look us up at losalamosmedicalgroup.com/orthopedics-sports-medicine