Ortho Surgeon Pioneer, Francis Tindall Dies Age 83

Francis Kenney Tindall, M.D., founder of Arizona Bone & Joint Specialists in Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on January 15, 2023, at the age of 83.

Tindall first began practicing orthopedics in Ontario, Canada. He established his private practice in Brockville, Ontario, in 1974. He also created the first sports medicine clinic in Ontario, Canada, and he was instrumental in organizing the first medical coverage for high school football games there as well. His was the first orthopedic practice in the region.

He moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1985 from Canada to set up the medical practice to focus on orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. He also worked with many local sports teams including the teams of Arizona State University and Arizona’s National Hockey Team the Coyotes. He also served on the anti-doping board for the U.S.A Track and Field Association.

He retired in 2020 after almost 50 years of medicine. He was a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Canadian Sports Medicine Association, the American Medical Association, Arizona Medical Association, Maricopa County Medical Association, American College of Sports Medicine, and the Orthopedic Specialists of North America.

Tindall was born on January 4, 1940, to Mary G. Kenney and Francis G. Tindall, Sr. of Syracuse, New York. His path to medicine was not a straight line. At first, he was interested in business and playing sports. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Economics in 1964 at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He played football at Queen’s University where his coach was his father.

He then became head football coach of the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, between 1963 and 1964 among his accomplishments was the All Canadian End award.

It was after he fractured his cervical spine when he was tackled during the 1961 Yates Cup Championship that he first turned his thoughts to being a doctor. He earned his medical degrees from Queen’s University School of Medicine in 1968, and he served as president of his medical class in 1967.

He completed his postgraduate work and his orthopedic residency training in Ottawa, Ontario, and at Queens University Hospital in Kingston.

Tindall was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife Heather Tindall, Sr., and their six children, Heather, Jr. Christopher, James, Zachary, Renee and Allie and his eight grandchildren: Kylie, Maddie, Parker James, Regan, Hunter, Nick, Kenley and Emma. He is also survived by his brother Chuck Tindal and his wife Linda and their two children.