Dr. Stephen L. Smith is a Fellowship trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon and Veteran of the United States Army. Dr. Smith’s interest in Foot and Ankle Surgery originated during his deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a member of a Forward Surgical Team, he worked directly alongside orthopedic and trauma surgeons to provide emergency resuscitation, surgery, and evacuation of battlefield trauma. During this time, he also cofounded the first stand-alone combined orthopedic and rehabilitative clinic in the southern region of Iraq. This provided service members with a unique opportunity to rehabilitate certain conditions in theater instead of being sent home, including foot and ankle injuries. Following his deployment, Dr. Smith worked as an Emergency Department Nurse and Anesthesia Technician prior to becoming a Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon.
Dr. Smith is a graduate of University of Texas at San Antonio (cum laude) where he achieved the President’s List for academic achievement and was selected for a research preceptorship in the UTSA Karl Klose Lab and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases. After graduating from UTSA, he continued his education at Midwestern University, Arizona College School of Podiatric Medicine, where he authored and co-authored award-winning foot and ankle research. During podiatric medical school, he founded the Student Veteran’s & Military Club at Midwestern University encompassing both Arizona and Illinois campuses. He was also class President of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons student chapter.
He completed podiatric residency with a credential in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery at UT Health San Antonio/University Hospital, a level I trauma center, and Audie L. Murphy VA medical center in San Antonio, Texas. During residency, he served on professional committees where he collaborated with educational leaders of podiatric education, moderated sessions at national meetings, and authored seven Educational Pathways which were utilized by podiatric medical schools and residencies during the challenges of the pandemic. After residency, Dr. Smith pursued additional training and graduated from the San Antonio Sports Medicine Associates Foot & Ankle Surgical Fellowship where he learned from the musculoskeletal physicians and surgeons serving various high schools, colleges, universities, and professional sports teams in the greater San Antonio area.
When not working, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs.
Education & Training
United States Army – Veteran (OIF)
Undergraduate – University of Texas at San Antonio
Medical (DPM) – Midwestern University, Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine
Residency – UT Heath San Antonio - San Antonio, Texas
Fellowship – San Antonio Sports Medicine Associates Foot & Ankle Surgical Fellowship
