Holy Cross Medical Center has welcomed a seasoned and highly trained surgeon to its team. Dr. Frederick French joined the Holy Cross team in December. He has more than 16 years of surgical experience, including seven years of expertise in robotic surgery.
A proud New Mexican, Dr. French grew up in Roswell and has spent much of his life in Albuquerque. After earning his undergraduate degree at Texas A and M University, he returned home to attend medical school at the University of New Mexico. He later completed his surgical residency at Mayo Clinic in Florida, one of the nation’s leading medical institutions.
Shortly after the events of September 11, Dr. French made the decision to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. He was deployed to Afghanistan, where he gained invaluable experience caring for service members in high pressure and life threatening situations. Following his military service, he moved to Washington state and worked at one of the largest hospitals in the region, treating complex trauma and emergency patients.
He eventually returned home to New Mexico and practiced in Albuquerque before accepting the opportunity to join the team in Taos. After spending much of his life in the state, coming back felt both natural and meaningful. His move to Taos marks a new chapter in a career that has taken him across the country and around the world, yet ultimately brought him back to the place he calls home.
“I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the area and the kindness of the people,” he said. “Taos feels tolerant and accepting. I have a daughter who is neurodivergent and has faced challenges related to that. I value being part of a community that embraces diversity and sees differences as strengths.”
Dr. French credits his father, a physician who specialized in gastrointestinal medicine, with inspiring his career in medicine. Instead of spending weekends playing catch, he often accompanied his father to the hospital.
“That is where I fell in love with medicine,” he said. “My father’s joy in helping people was infectious. It did not matter what time it was. He took pride in caring for others, and I learned to feel that same responsibility.”
As a general surgeon, Dr. French performs a wide range of procedures. While general surgery primarily focuses on operations involving the abdomen, it also includes emergency conditions, trauma care, and the removal of masses and severe skin infections. In smaller communities, he explained, having a surgeon who can competently perform a broad spectrum of procedures is essential.
“A question I often get is what type of surgery I do,” he said. “General surgeons are trained to handle a variety of procedures. In a community hospital, it is crucial to have someone who is experienced enough to provide many different operations.”
Although he loves performing surgery, Dr. French says the consultation process is one of the most meaningful parts of his work.
“I think it is so important to establish a relationship,” he said. “Before going to surgery, patients need to trust you and see you as their advocate and ally in what can be a scary and complex process.”
He emphasizes that patients should always remain at the center of the healthcare system.
“As a patient, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by how complex healthcare can be,” he said. “My philosophy is to always keep the patient as the top priority and to do everything in my power to help them navigate their care.”
Among the skills he brings to Holy Cross is advanced robotic surgery. He adopted the technology because he believes it offers patients better outcomes, less pain, and faster recovery times. He expressed gratitude that Holy Cross Medical Center has invested in and supported robotic surgery capabilities.
“In this regard, Taos is more advanced than many communities in New Mexico,” he said.
Throughout his career, Dr. French has experienced both the intensity of trauma care and the satisfaction of helping patients regain their quality of life. He recalls saving a young man who had been stabbed and left the hospital just two days after life saving surgery. He also finds deep reward in repairing hernias that allow many patients to return to skiing or cycling within weeks.
Dr. French is a proud father of three, with two children already graduated from high school. A self described baseball and tennis dad, he spends as much time as he can cheering from the stands at baseball games and tennis matches. His spouse, daughter, and youngest son are excited to spend time in Taos and get to know the community. He is also happily accompanied by his Boston terrier, Penny.
Dr. French joins an already respected and established group of local surgeons at Holy Cross Surgical Specialties, including urologist Dr. Stephen Lucero and general surgeons Dr. Stephen Slikkers and Dr. Michael Darnell. Holy Cross Medical Center’s surgical services extend beyond general surgery. Holy Cross Women’s Health Institute also provides surgical care for women through Dr. Cydney Siggins, OBGYN, and Dr. Casey Smith, OBGYN, who offer a full range of obstetric and gynecologic procedures and comprehensive women’s health services. Together, these providers ensure that patients in Taos and the surrounding region have access to high quality surgical care close to home.
Dr. French praised the team at Holy Cross, saying, “The talent and expertise at a hospital this size is incredible.”
With his experience, dedication, and commitment to patient centered care, Dr. French is poised to make a meaningful impact as part of the strong and growing surgical team serving the Taos community.
To learn more, visit TaosSurgery.org or call Holy Cross Surgical Specialties at 575 758 3141.