Gail Smith
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
VMD: 1974
PhD: 1982
Graduate Group: Materials Science Engineering
Thesis Topic: Passivation and corrosion kinetics of Stainless Steel 316L orthopaedic implants
With a background in physical sciences, Dr. Smith has explored and innovated materials and mechanics applicable to orthopaedics. One example of an idea that went from mechanics laboratory to clinical usage is an improvement in the measurement of hip laxity. Having a reliable quantitative measure of hip laxity allows accurate prediction of dogs and cats that are susceptible to hip OA later in life. This technology is known as "PennHIP" and is now being adopted worldwide.