Dr. Michael Smith is very excited about the opportunity to return to his hometown and practice orthopedic surgery at Southlake Orthopaedics. Both Dr. Smith and his wife love Birmingham & Hoover, and think it is a great privilege to serve in such a dynamic community. Dr. Smith believes in patient-centered care that is thoughtful and focused on the patient’s goals. As a fellowship trained hand surgeon and upper extremity surgeon, he is happy to provide treatments for ailments related to the elbow, hand or microvascular problems.
Auburn University, Bachelor of Sciences
Harvard Medical School, Doctor of Medicine
Emory University, Orthopaedic Surgery
Harvard Medical School, Harvard Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital
When I first entered medical school, Cardiology was the path I saw myself taking. However, during my third year of medical school I realized I loved surgery. I soon understood orthopaedic surgery offered the opportunity to care for both young and elderly; restoring health and function in a meaningful way for all ages. I have always enjoyed an active lifestyle, whether playing football, rugby or wrestling in high school or squeezing a run into a busy schedule. I understand how important maintaining one’s activities can be and I feel privileged to help people maintain the health and lifestyle they want.
I feel most successful as a physician when a patient and I jointly agree on a treatment plan that allows them to have a successful outcome. This can be whether someone is treated non-operatively or with surgery. When a patient returns feeling better about their health and function, this brings pleasure to me in practicing orthopaedic medicine. I enjoy developing a relationship with my patients and work hard to help them achieve their goals.
I have been fortunate to care for many different patients with problems ranging from straight-forward to very complex. One case in particular that stands out is a young patient who suffered a terrible injury to their arm and elbow. The blood supply and nerves to the arm had been injured and the bones were fractured. Their arm required a large reconstruction involving every aspect of my orthopaedic training including vascular repair, nerve repair, and grafting and fracture fixation. The procedures carried through the night and were fortunately able to save his arm.
My wife and I both grew up in Hoover. During my medical training we always knew we would be thrilled to have an opportunity to return to Birmingham to work and raise our family. When I was first introduced to Southlake Orthopaedics, I immediately recognized the practice was comprised of physicians, nurses, therapists and staff that had deep integrity and compassion for their patients. I believe the best parts of the practice are the people I will have the privilege to work alongside everyday. Finishing my training, I am very excited to be joining a team of individuals I admire and are continuing to work hard in providing the best care possible to their patients. My goal is that I can continue the great tradition of excellent patient-centered care that has been built at Southlake Orthopaedics, and I am happy to be joining the team.
