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| Laney Smith |
Laney Smith, a third-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, received the Medical Student Annual Meeting Scholarship at the 2025 Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS) meeting in San Diego.
The scholarship is awarded to medical students who show a strong interest in orthopaedic surgery and a commitment to supporting women in the field.
“Attending the RJOS Annual Meeting gave me the chance to connect with female orthopaedic surgeons, participate in mentorship events, and learn more about the unique challenges and opportunities for women in orthopaedics,” she said. “It was an incredibly inspiring and motivating experience.”
The Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society is a national organization that helps professionals in the orthopaedic field network and gain a deeper understanding of the industry. It holds annual meetings that focus on supporting and advancing women in orthopaedic surgery.
“One of the most meaningful aspects of the meeting was the chance to connect with female medical students from across the country who share a passion for orthopaedics,” Smith said. “It was energizing to be surrounded by such a driven and supportive group of future surgeons. I also had the opportunity to speak with female residents and attendings who generously shared advice about the residency application process and their own paths in orthopaedics, which was incredibly valuable as I prepare for this next step.”
The keynote speaker was Leslie Osborne, former player on the Women’s National Soccer Team. She discussed her experience with athletics. “Her message about resilience, leadership, and advocating for yourself deeply resonated with me, especially given my own background in competitive sports and my desire to bring that same mindset into a surgical career,” Smith said.
“This experience not only reaffirmed my passion for orthopaedic surgery but also inspired me to actively support and encourage other women to explore the field. I left the meeting feeling excited to help foster that community and mentorship here at South for other females interested in orthopaedic surgery.”
Smith’s devotion to orthopaedic surgery comes from her experience as a college athlete and her interest in anatomy and biomechanics. She was immediately drawn to its emphasis on problem-solving and full mobility restoration.
“I’m especially passionate about pediatric orthopaedics, where I’ve seen how early intervention can drastically improve a child’s quality of life and long-term outcomes,” said Smith. “There’s something incredibly meaningful about helping children get back to doing the things they love, whether that’s playing sports, going to school, or just being active with friends.”
Her mentor, pediatric orthopaedic surgeon Tyler McDonald, M.D., has played a large role in her success. He has helped guide her through the exploration of research opportunities. He has also helped jump-start her networking by connecting her with successful women in the field.
“The people in orthopaedics have also made a lasting impression on me,” she said. “The mentorship I’ve received from residents and attendings has been incredibly motivating, and I’m excited to one day contribute to that supportive community and help others find their place in this field.”
In addition to her academic life, Smith is a member of several student organizations. She is a Peer Academic Leader where she tutors fellow medical students. She is also a member of the Orthopedic Surgery Interest Group Executive Board, where she organizes events promoting the field, and a liaison on the Honor Council for students and faculty.
The Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society provides a number of scholarships and grant opportunities for active members.
