‘Research is an essential part of driving the quality of work that we do.’

That’s the belief that’s guided Professor Paul Smith, Director of the Trauma and Orthopaedic Research Unit (TORU) and Clinical Director of Orthopaedic surgery at Canberra Hospital, in his 20+ year career at Canberra Health Services.

If you know someone who’s had a knee or hip replacement in Canberra, chances are you know someone Professor Smith has cared for. Performing more than 7,000 operations – in addition to his other clinical responsibilities and research projects – Professor Smith wears many hats!

Recently receiving the Award for Excellence in Surgery from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Professor Smith is deeply conscious that the award reflects the combined efforts of the whole team.

‘I learn something new from every research project done at TORU.’

TORU, started by Smith but a true collaborative project between CHS and the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University (ANU), undertakes research in the field of musculoskeletal disease. The TORU laboratory work, coordinated by Associate Professor Rachel Li, is based at the ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research. The lab works in tandem with the clinical research hub based at Canberra Hospital, with Doctor Joe Lynch now the clinical research coordinator.

TORU’s mission is to conduct excellent research which meaningfully impacts on the clinical practice of orthopaedics and the wellbeing of patients.

Past research has included investigating kinematics (how momentum and energy are shared among interacting objects) using 2D to 3D image mapping, outcomes of surgery, antibacterial biomaterials for orthopaedic implants and optimising 3D printed materials.

Current research includes developing a new technique for analysis of how the kneecap works both in the normal knee and in knee replacement. In TORU’s 20 years, the team have published nearly 200 academic papers.

A passionate researcher, Professor Smith’s advice to his colleagues considering a research project is ‘to go for it’.

‘You’ve got to dedicate time to doing your research, but it’s worth it because you learn and develop new skills. Investing time and effort into getting that thinking done means you can do a better job.’

As for what keeps Professor Smith motivated to continue doing research, the answer is simple: his colleagues and the students.

‘The most exciting part about research is that it keeps you in contact with some really smart people. They give you inspiration and bright ideas, you learn something new every day.’

Congratulations to Professor Smith on his Excellence in Surgery award.

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