TOP DOCTORS 2024: Orthopedic Surgery Q&A

Dr. Julious “Jody” Smith, sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery physician, OrthoVirginia, Richmond

Other medical specialties: Sports medicine and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, elbow and knee 

Education: Bachelor’s degree and medical degree, University of Virginia; residency, Virginia Commonwealth University; sports medicine fellowship, Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center 

Family: Oldest of three kids, with one brother and one sister. Married with three daughters, including a junior in high school and a sophomore and senior at U.Va. 

Career mentors: Drs. John Cardea and Robert Adelaar at MCV taught me the basics of how to be a good and efficient orthopedic surgeon. 

Dr. Buddy Savoie in my fellowship taught me the tricks and finer points of sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery at a time when he was on the cutting edge. 

Fan of: I am a huge football fan, supporting the Commanders and U.Va. But I really am a fan of all U.Va. sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer and lacrosse. I also love to exercise, particularly cycling and Peloton. 

What is the most common injury you see, and how do you typically treat it? In sports medicine, the most common injuries that I see are anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. We typically have to reconstruct the ligament using a tendon graft from another part of the knee. Athletes usually fully recover and return to sports at their pre-injury level. 

How has your specialty changed in recent years? Technology has significantly advanced sports medicine to the point where most of the surgeries can be performed minimally invasively or “arthroscopically,” so that the surgical recovery has been greatly improved. Unfortunately, the return to sports for ACL injuries and shoulder dislocations remains longer than most athletes would prefer. 

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