Dr. Jason Conrad Smith brings a unique blend of personal and professional experience to his orthopaedic practice, making him a trusted expert in sports medicine. His journey began with an undergraduate degree in Biology at Princeton University, where he was also a standout athlete, competing for the Princeton Tigers NCAA Division I hockey team. After his first year at Princeton, Dr. Smith was selected as a fourth-round draft pick by the Calgary Flames, but he chose to complete his college career and played all four years with the Tigers before going on to play professional hockey for the Flames’ AHL affiliate, the Saint John Flames in New Brunswick. Unfortunately, after his first season of professional hockey, Dr. Smith was forced to retire due to injuries.
This firsthand experience as an elite athlete gave Dr. Smith a deep understanding of the physical demands and mental resilience required in sports, as well as the frustrations of injury. His own experiences on the ice sparked a desire to help other athletes overcome their injuries and return to the sports they love.
Driven by this passion, Dr. Smith attended medical school at the University of Calgary and completed his orthopaedic residency at McGill University. To further refine his expertise, he pursued a prestigious sports fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, under the mentorship of Dr. James Andrews. Here, he gained unparalleled insights into the intricacies of sports injuries, particularly those affecting throwing athletes. Working alongside Dr. Andrews, a world-renowned specialist in baseball injuries, Dr. Smith honed his skills in treating complex cases, including the highly specialized Tommy John surgery (UCL reconstruction).
In 2007, Dr. Smith brought his expertise to Toronto, where he established his sports orthopaedic practice at the Scarborough Health Network. With his specialized focus on sports injuries of the shoulder, elbow, and knee, Dr. Smith quickly emerged as one of Canada’s leading sports surgeons. His reputation for excellence led to him being sought after by prestigious organizations like the Toronto Blue Jays and Baseball Canada.
Beyond his work in baseball, Dr. Smith is a respected figure in the broader sports community. He works closely with the NHL Players Association to provide second opinions for active NHL players. In addition, he collaborates with Golf Canada and recently had the privilege of seeing one of his patients win a PGA Tour event. Whatever sport you play, Dr. Smith’s expertise can help you get back to competition at your highest level.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Smith’s love for sports continues. He enjoys skiing, kite surfing, and playing hockey. He lives in Toronto with his wife and son, where they share a passion for an active lifestyle.
With both personal experience as a professional athlete and extensive medical training, Dr. Jason Conrad Smith offers his patients a unique perspective and a deep commitment to helping them return to their best selves.