Adrianne P.S. Smith, MD, has devoted decades to redefining wound care and regenerative medicine. A pioneer in her field, she has consistently advanced patient care, shaping industry standards and encouraging innovation. Rooted in academic excellence and military discipline, Smith's journey exemplifies commitment and leadership in healthcare.
Smith's medical journey began at Duke University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry with a specialization in biochemistry. She continued her education at Washington University's School of Medicine, obtaining her medical degree in 1985. From there, she completed a residency in emergency medicine at Wilford Hall Medical Center through the U.S. Air Force. She then completed a fellowship certification in hyperbaric medicine and wound care at the University of Texas Health San Antonio, which helped establish her expertise in the specialized field.
Smith's career trajectory reflects her dedication to improving healthcare practices. She became the first woman to receive emergency medicine training in the U.S. Air Force and subsequently led one of the USAF's largest emergency departments. After transitioning from military to civilian roles, she joined the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She served as an assistant professor there and eventually founded the wound care and hyperbaric medicine center at the Texas Diabetes Institute.
Smith's leadership at the Texas Diabetes Institute marked a turning point in her career. There, she spearheaded advancements in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. She contributed to improved outcomes for patients with complex conditions, and under her guidance, the division became a beacon of innovation. The American Diabetes Association named her Diabetic Foot Council Physician of the Year in 2002 and the TDI Physician of the Year in 2004.
In 2004, Smith went beyond clinical practice to author the best-selling U.S. textbook on wound care, solidifying her status as an authority in the field. Her contributions to medical literature have guided practitioners worldwide. Her role as the medical director for Kinetics Concepts Inc. (KCI) assisted in ushering in the worldwide use of negative pressure wound care (NPWT), facilitating improved wound healing outcomes for chronic and hard-to-heal wounds.
In 2007, Smith founded WPS Medical Consultants LLC, where she continues to advance wound care and regenerative medicine. Her firm collaborates with the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and other regulatory bodies to market cutting-edge therapies and medical devices. As chief medical officer at Cascade Research Enterprise, she oversees clinical research projects exploring inventive solutions for wound healing and pain management.
Smith also imports and distributes platelet-rich plasma products through Cascade Research Enterprise LLC (AR), further expanding access to regenerative treatments. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes building cohesive, supportive teams that thrive on collaboration.
Smith actively participates in the Wound Care Collaborative Community, where she shapes policies supporting advancements in regenerative medicine. Her dedication to community healthcare is evident through her contributions to the Kingdom Healthcare System and her mentorship of aspiring medical professionals.
Looking ahead, Smith remains committed to advancing wound care and regenerative medicine. Defined by a career of impressive achievements and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Smith continues to cement her legacy as a transformative leader in medicine.