Dr. Derek B. Smith is a distinguished orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in the surgery of the elbow, wrist, and hand. Dr. Smith joins Flagstaff Bone & Joint with over four years of specialized experience from his previous practice in Bend, Oregon. His expertise spans the treatment of traumatic injuries, arthritis, and nerve compression in the upper extremity.
Dr. Smith received his undergraduate education at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in physics. He furthered his education at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, obtaining a Master of Science in physics. Dr. Smith then pursued his medical degree at Columbia University in New York, NY, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, Oregon, and followed this with an orthopaedic hand surgery fellowship at the Mary S. Stern Fellowship in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has also obtained additional training and experience in microsurgery and wide-awake surgery.
Dr. Smith's journey in medicine is marked by a commitment to excellence. Prior to his medical career, he served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, where he led sailors on a guided missile destroyer and aircraft carrier. This foundational experience instilled in him a profound sense of duty and leadership that he carries into his medical practice.
List of Procedures Dr. Smith Will Perform:
- Carpal tunnel & cubital tunnel release
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis treatment
- Distal radius fracture management
- Dupuytren’s contracture surgery, XIAFLEX® injection & percutaneous fasciotomy
- Elbow arthroscopy
- Extensor & flexor tendon repair
- Ganglion cyst excision
- Golfer’s elbow & tennis elbow treatment
- Hand & wrist arthritis management
- Hand & wrist dislocation & fracture management
- Nerve repair & microsurgery
- Peripheral nerve decompression
- Scaphoid fracture management
- Thumb CMC (basal) joint reconstruction
- Trigger finger release
- Wide-awake hand surgery
- Wrist arthroscopy
Philosophy of Care: “I aim to communicate to all my patients that my approach to their treatment is careful and thoughtful,” says Dr. Smith. “I prioritize conservative treatments in most instances and tailor each plan to my patient’s individual goals, ensuring personalized and meticulous care.”
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Smith is a passionate adventurer who cherishes time spent in nature, whether hiking, cycling, or rowing. At home, Dr. Smith delights in being a devoted husband and father, embracing family life with enthusiasm and joy.
Dr. Smith is available to see patients at our Flagstaff, Kingman, and Cottonwood offices.
