Thomas Vail Selected American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Vice President

Thomas Vail, MD, James L. Young Professor and chair of orthopaedic surgery at UCSF, has been selected to a one-year term as vice president of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS).

Vail’s selection was part of the ABOS Board of Directors selecting its 2015-16 officers and electing two new directors-elect.

“These officers are all nationally known surgeons and leaders who will help guide ABOS for the coming year,” said Shep Hurwitz, MD, ABOS executive director.

A specialist in surgical treatment of hip and knee conditions, Vail’s research focuses on performance and outcomes of surgical procedures and devices, delivery of care in adult reconstruction, and cartilage repair strategies. He has published several hundred scientific articles, abstracts, book chapters and educational materials.

After graduating from the Duke University School of Engineering cum laude with a degree in mechanical engineering and materials science, Vail earned his medical degree at the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University, Chicago. He completed his internship in general and thoracic surgery and residency in orthopaedic surgery at Duke University Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery.

Vail was part of the faculty at Duke University Medical Center, advancing from assistant professor to professor and director of adult reconstructive surgery. In January 2007, he was named professor and chairman of the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inc. was founded in 1934 as a private, voluntary, nonprofit, independent organization to serve the best interests of the public and the medical profession. These interests are achieved through the ABOS by establishing standards for the education of orthopaedic surgeons. These standards are evaluated by the ABOS through examinations and practice evaluations.

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