John T. Smith, M.D.
Pediatric Specialist
Dr. John Smith is an accomplished orthopedic surgeon specializing in pediatric spine deformity and fracture care. He has been extensively involved in patient care, innovation, and research related to spine deformity in children. He was a founding member of the Pediatric Spine Study Group (PSSG), now the largest pediatric spine database in the world. He has been involved in the development of new methods and devices to treat complex spine deformities in children. Dr. Smith has held multiple national leadership positions including the Board of Directors of the Scoliosis Research Society and Pediatric Spine Foundation, President of the Pediatric Spine Foundation and Chaired multiple committees within these organizations. He has authored over 140 scientific publications and book chapters. Additionally, he founded the Pediatric Fracture Clinic at Primary Children’s Hospital. His current practice and research continue to focus on pediatric spine deformity and fracture care.
Dr. Smith recently moved his family to Heber City, UT. He and his wife Melissa have 5 children, 3 of whom attend Timpanogos Middle School. His family loves the small-town community and the surrounding mountains. His interests outside of medicine include skiing, tennis, golf, hiking and flying his airplane.
Areas of Expertise
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
- Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
- Early Onset Scoliosis
- Congenital Scoliosis/Kyphosis
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis
- Syndromic Scoliosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spine Tumors/Infection
- Disk Herniations
- Spinal Trauma
- Trauma of the upper and lower extremities
Education
- Colorado College (BS) 1972-1976
- University of Florida College of Medicine (MD) 1976-1981
- Internship: Shands Teaching Hospital: 1981-82
- Residency: University of Utah Orthopedics: 1982-1986
- Fellowship: Pediatric Orthopedics, Atlanta Scottish Rite Hospital: 1986-1987.
Experience & Leadsership Positions
- Assistant Professor: Stanford/UCSF: 1987-1991
- Presidential Endowed Professor, University of Utah: 1991-2023.
- Founding Member, Past President, The Pediatric Spine Study Group (PSSG)
- Founder, Past President, Board of Directors, The Pediatric Spine Foundation
- Board of Directors, Scoliosis Research Society (2020-2023)
- Past Committee Chairman: Growing Spine Committee; SRS Internet Committee; Global Outreach Committee.
- Pediatric Spine Surgeon, The Orthopedic Partners: October 2023-Present.
Publications
(CV on request)
- Original Articles: 140
- Book Chapters: 14
- Podium Presentations: >300
- Visiting Professorships: >20
- Website: wwww.iscoliosis.com (Co-Creator)
Teaching
Fellows trained: 66
