Robert J. Smolinski MD

Robert Smolinski

Robert J. Smolinski
MD

Clinical Associate Professor

Department of Orthopaedics

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Specialty/Research Focus

General Orthopaedics; Sports Medicine

Contact Information
Erie County Medical Center
462 Grider Street
Buffalo, New York 14215
Phone: (716) 204-3200
smolinsk@buffalo.edu
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Patient Care

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD

Overview Research Publications Activities Latest News

Professional Summary:

Since joining UB’s Department of Orthopaedics in 1991, my passion has been caring for athletes. This passion continues today providing medical and orthopeadic care to the UB Bulls as their head team physician. Though I am now focused on the nonoperative care of competitive and recreational athletes, I also care for the orthopaedic injuries of adolescent, adult and elderly. Currently, I see patients at Jericho Road Community Health Center, and the ECMC Orthopaedic Clinic. I also see patients and perform surgery at the Buffalo VA Medical Center (Buffalo VAMC). Here, I typically care for our injured veterans who selflessly served our country.

My philosophy in caring for patients is this: whether on the athletic field or battlefield, or in the arena of daily life, patients of every age should feel that they are being cared for by a physician that wants to get them back in the game of life, fully functional, as quickly as possible. I strive to deliver this kind of high quality, patient-focused medical care to every patient I see.

Teaching, mentoring and volunteering are also passions of mine. I continue to volunteer with The Hope For Tomorrow Foundation traveling yearly to impoverished countries on surgical missions. At UB, I lecture on the musculoskeletal system, and I work with orthopaedic residents and fellows, nurse practitioner and physician assistant students during their clinical rotations. I believe that training the doctors of tomorrow is a significant way I can give back to the community I was raised in.

Education and Training:
  • Fellowship, Cincinnati Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center (1991)
  • Residency, University at Buffalo (1988)
  • Internship, General Surgery, Millard Fillmore Hospitals (1984)
  • MD, Medicine, University at Buffalo (1983)
  • BS, University of Notre Dame (1979)

Employment:
  • Orthopaedist, ECMC Orthopaedic Clinic (2017-present)
  • Orthopaedic Surgeon, Jericho Road Community Health Center (2016-present)
  • Orthopaedic Surgeon, Veterans Hospital of Western New York (2015-present)
  • Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1999-present)
  • Head Team Physician and Orthopaedic Surgeon, University at Buffalo Division of Athletics (1991-present)
  • Director, University at Buffalo Sports Medicine Institute, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1993–2013)
  • Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon, University at Buffalo Sports Medicine Institute, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1991–2013)
  • Head Team Physician, City of Buffalo Schools Athletic Department (2009–2012)
  • Head Team Physician and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Erie Community College (2001–2010)
  • Head Team Physician, City of Buffalo Schools Athletic Department (1995–2006)
  • Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1991–1999)
  • Clinical Instructor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1988–1991)
See all (2 more)

Awards and Honors:
  • Castle Connolly‘s Top Doctor (2017)
  • The General Pulaski Association Award (2016)
  • Castle Connolly's Top Doctor (2016)
  • Castle Connolly's Top Doctor (2015)
  • Castle Connolly's Top Doctor (2014)
  • Castle Connolly's Top Doctor (2013)
  • Castle Connolly's Top Doctor (2012)
  • UB Athletics Hall Of Fame Russel J. Gugino Award (2012)
  • U.S. News & World Report's Top Doctors (2011)
  • Castle Connolly's Top Doctor (2011)
  • Hope for Tomorrow Foundation Award (2010)
  • Amherst Chamber of Commerce Alpha Awards: UB Believers Award (2009)
  • Castle Connolly's Top Doctor (2009)
  • Boston Lions Club Community Service Award (2007)
  • Castle Connolly's Top Doctor (2007)
  • UB Service Excellence Award (2005)

Research Expertise:
  • Orthopaedics andSportsmedicine

Research Centers:
  • Cartilage Restoration Center

Journal Articles:

See all (2 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Robert Smolinski, John Leddy, Philip Stegemann. (1996) Rotator Cuff Disease.

Professional Memberships:
  • Veterans Hospital of Western York Medical Staff (2015–present)
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Member
  • American Orthopaedic Society For Sports Medicine
  • Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA); Member
  • Erie County Medical Center Medical Staff
  • Kaleida Health Medical Staff

Presentations:
  • "Treatment of Knee Arthritis" Jericho Road Community Health Center Medical Conference (2017)
  • "Orthopaedic Practice Management–Billing and Coding" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2017)
  • "The Knee – Overuse" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2016)
  • "Cartilage, Structure, Function & Repair" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2016)
  • "International Medicine Surgical Missions" UB Newman Center Bridge Lecture Series; UB Newman Center (2015)
  • "Articular Cartilage Including Structure Function and Meniscus" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2015)
  • "Sports Medicine Billing & Coding" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2014)
  • "Knee: Articular cartilage including structure, function & meniscus" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2014)
  • "Update in Arthroscopy" Clinical Orthopedic Society 101st Annual Meeting; Clinical Orthopedic Society (2013)
  • "Sports Medicine Billing & Coding" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2013)
  • "Sports Medicine Coding & Billing" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2012)
  • "Acute Knee Injuries-Diagnosis and Treatment" UB Department of Family Medicine Quartly Grand Rounds; ; University at Buffalo Department of Family Medicine (2011)
  • "Sports medicine coding & billing" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo School of Medicine (2011)
  • "Knee: Articular cartilage structure & function - Meniscus" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (2011)
  • "Medical Offerings in WNY" Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council; Niagara Frontier Industry Council (2011)
  • "Basics of Arthroscopy, Meniscal Tears and ACL Injuries" Empire State Games Sports Medicine Symposium; Empire State Games Program Committee (2010)
  • "Sports Medicine - Billing/Coding" UB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2010)
  • "Knee: Articular Cartilage Inc. Structure & Function, and Meniscus" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2010)
  • "Practice Management - Coding & Billing" UB Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopedic Surgery (2009)
  • "Sports - Cartilage Structure - Function & Repair" UB Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopedic Surgery (2009)
  • "Sports - The Knee - Overuse Syndromes" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2009)
  • "Knee Anatomy" Shoulder and Knee Injuries For The Primary Care Provider; SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine; University at Buffalo Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2008)
  • "Current Trends in ACL Surgery" Lamplighters Orthopaedic Association 52nd Annual Meeting; Lamplighter Orthopaedic Association (2008)
  • "Practice Management - Coding/Billing" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2008)
  • "Cartilage Structure, Function & Repair" UB Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of orthopedic surgery (2008)
  • "The Knee - Overuse Syndromes" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2008)
  • "Knee Ligament Injuries" Sports Medicine and WNY Hockey Conference; SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine; University at Buffalo Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2005)
  • "Acute Knee Injuries-Diagnosis and Treatment" University at Buffalo Department of Medicine City Wide Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine; Department of Medicine (2005)
  • "Common Musculo-Skeletal Ailments" University at Buffalo Mini-Medical School (2004)
  • "Evaluation and Treatment of Common Knee Problems" UB Department of Family Medicine Quarterly Grand Rounds; UB Department of Family Medicine (2004)
  • "Update in Sports Medicine" UB Department of Family Medicine Quartly Grand Rounds (2000)
  • "History and Physical Examination of ACL Injuries" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; UB Department of Orthopedic Surgery (1999)
  • "Sports Injuries of the Lower Extemity" UB Mini Medical School; SUNY at Buffalo; School of Medicine (1999)
  • "Anti-Inflammatory Drugs" UB Orthopedic Surgery Grand Rounds; Buffalo General Hospital (1999)
  • "Elbow Injuries" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1999)
  • "Rotator Cuff Disease" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1999)
  • "Shoulder and Elbow Injuries" Sisters Hospital Medical Grand Rounds; Sisters Hospital (1999)
  • "Medical Management of Chondral Disease" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1998)
  • "4th Annual Runner‘s Forum" WNY Runners Forum (1998)
  • "ACL Injuries" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1998)
  • "Sideline Sports Medicine" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1997)
  • "3rd Annual Runner‘s Forum" WNY Runners Forum; WNY Runners Forum (1997)
  • "Sports Injuries in Adolescents" Buffalo Children‘s Hospital Noon Rounds; Children‘s Hospital of Buffalo (1996)
  • "The Throwing Athlete" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1996)
  • "Articular Cartilage Transplantations" Empire State Games Sports Medicine Symposium (1996)
  • "Ligamentous Injuries about the Knee" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1996)
  • "Role of Radiographs in Acute Ankle Injuries" WNY Orthopaedic Society; WNY Orthopaedic Society (1995)
  • "Lower Extremity Clinical Correlation" UB Second Year Medical Student Clinical Correlation Conference; SUNY at Buffalo (1995)
  • "School Age Sports Injuries" Sisters Hospital Medical Grand Rounds; Sisters Hospital (1995)
  • "Arthroscopy" UB Department of Rehabilitation Medicine; SUNY at Buffalo (1995)
  • "Spinal Injuries in Athletes" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1995)
  • "Office Orthopaedics and Sports Problems in Primary Care" University at Buffalo Department of Family Practice Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1994)
  • "Arthroscopy" UB Medical School Third Year Medical Students Selective; SUNY at Buffalo (1994)
  • "Arthroscopy" UB Medical School Third Year Medical Student Selective; UB School of Medicine (1994)
  • "Meniscal Leisions / Arthroscopy" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1993)
  • "Office Management of Sports Medicine" UB Nurse Practitioner Program; SUNY at Buffalo (1993)
  • "Lower Extremity Clinical Correlation" UB Second Year Medical Student Clinical Correlation Conference; SUNY at Buffalo; Second Year Medical Students (1993)
  • "Nuclear Medicine Imaging in Sports Medicine" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo; Nuclear Medicine (1993)
  • "Swimmer's Shoulders" World University Games Coach's Clinic (1993)
  • "The Physician and Orthopaedic Surgery" UB Medical School Third Year Medical Students Selective; SUNY at Buffalo (1993)
  • "Knee Injuries in Athletes" UB Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1993)
  • "Bracing in Sports Medicine" UB Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1992)
  • "Upper Extremity Clinical Correlation" UB Second Year Medical Student Clinical Correlation Conference; SUNY at Bufffalo; Second Year Medical Students (1992)
  • "Arthroscopy" UB Medical School Third Year Medical Students Selective; SUNY at Buffalo (1992)
  • "Athletics Injuries and the Physician" UB Medical School Third Year Medical Student Selective; SUNY @ Buffalo; Musculoskeletal Medicine (1992)
  • "Sports Orthodics" Lower Extremity Orthotics Course; Erie County Medical Center; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (1992)
  • "Shoulder Arthrscopy / Subacromial Decompresion" SUNY at Buffalo Orthopaedic Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1992)
  • "Meniscal Allografts" WNY Orthopaedic Society Potts Day; WNY Orthopaedic Society (1991)
  • "Healing of Meniscal Allograft" Advances of the Knee and Shoulder; Cincinnati Sportsmedicine (1991)
  • "Motorcycle Trauma in Western New York" UB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Resident Day; university at Buffalo Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (1987)
See all (60 more)

Service Activities:
  • Faculty Council; Member (2111–present)
  • UB Orthopedic Surgery Interest Group; Guest Lecturer (2016)
  • Unqualified Promotions; Member (2016–present)
  • Volunteer Physician Jericho Road Community Health Center Treating orthopaedic problems in immigrants and refugees; Volunteer (2016–present)
  • Hope for Tomorrow Foundation Surgical Mission to Viet Nam Volunteer medical mission to Viet Nam to perform surgery on needy orthopaedic patients; Volunteer (2016)
  • UBMD Orthopaedics Community Charity Charitable organization that donates $10,000 annually to local charitable organizations involved in health and wellness.; Co-Founder (2015–present)
  • International Paralympic Committee Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships Volunteer physician coverage; Volunteer (2015)
  • Medical School Appeals Committee; Member (2014–2016)
  • Medical School Student Appeals Committee Committee to meet and evaluate medical students who have appealed dismissal from medical school and render opinion to Dean regarding reinstatement; Member (2014–2016)
  • UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Finance Committee; Member (2014–present)
  • Hope for Tomorrow Foundation Surgical Mission to Ghana; Volunteer (2014)
  • Physician and Sportsmedicine; Reviewer (2014–2016)
  • FPMP Governing Board; Vice Chair (2014–present)
  • Safe DRivers This is a program to educate medical students to drive safe and refrain from impaired driving and distracted driving. The organization provides free transportation to medical students who find themselves in a situation where it is unsafe for them to drive.; Co-Founder (2013–present)
  • Hope for Tomorrow Foundation Surgical Mission to Haiti; Volunteer (2013–2014)
  • UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Community Relations Committee; Member (2013–present)
  • UB Stadium Athletic Training Center Committee Chaired committee to raise funds for new training room at UB Stadium; Chairman (2013–2014)
  • Hope for Tomorrow Foundation Surgical Mission to Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; Volunteer (2012)
  • Hope For Tommorow Foundation; Board of Directors (2012–present)
  • UBA Board of Directors; Member (2011–2013)
  • FPNP Policy Committee; Member (2011–2012)
  • Hope for Tomorrow Foundation Surgical Mission to Haiti; Volunteer (2011)
  • Physician, Empire State Games, Buffalo, NY; Volunteer (2010)
  • Hope for Tomorrow Foundation Surgical Mission to Vietnam; Volunteer (2010)
  • Local Organizing Committee, Empire State Games, Buffalo, NY 2010; Committee Member (2010)
  • Admissions Committee; Member (2010–present)
  • FPMP Compliance; Member (2009–2011)
  • Rielly Athletic Training Room Committee Spearheaded committee raising money for Alumni Arena Training Room renovation; Chair (2009–2010)
  • Faculty Senate; Member (2008–2012)
  • Physician, Empire State Games, Binghamton, NY; Volunteer (2008)
  • June and Jean Mindell Chair of Orthopedic Surgery Committee; Member (2008–2010)
  • Continuing Medical Education Coordinator, University at Buffalo Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Coordinator (2007–present)
  • Executive Board; Secretary (2007–present)
  • FPMP Audit; Member (2006–2009)
  • Empire State Games Medical Committee; Advisory Committee (2006–2010)
  • Physician, Empire State Games, Rochester, NY; Volunteer (2006)
  • Compliance Officer, University at Buffalo Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Coordinator (2005–present)
  • Physician, Empire State Games, Binghamton, NY; Volunteer (2004)
  • Physician, Empire State Games, Buffalo, NY; Volunteer (2003)
  • Physician, Empire State Games, Syracuse, NY; Volunteer (2002)
  • Physician, Empire State Games, Mohawk Valley; Volunteer (2001)
  • Journal of Arthroscopy; Reviewer (2001–present)
  • Physician, Empire State Games, Binghamton, NY; Volunteer (2000)
  • Executive Committee James Platt White Society; Chair (1999–2000)
  • FPMP Governing Board; Member (1999–present)
  • Physicain, JP Morgan-Chase Corporate Challenge; Volunteer (1999–2008)
  • Poly Clinic Empire State Games Buffalo 1996 Poly Clinic Empire State Games Buffalo 1996; Director (1998)
  • Physician, Empire State Games, Rochester, NY; Volunteer (1998)
  • NCAA Division I Track & Field Championships Medical Team 1998 NCAA Division I Track & Field Championships Medical Team 1998; Director (1998)
  • FPMP Governing Board; Alternate Member (1997–1998)
  • Faculty Council; Member (1996–1998)
  • Executive Committee James Platt White Society; Member (1995–2002)
  • University Medical Practices Committee; Member (1993–1997)
  • Village Medical Office World University Games Buffalo 1993; Director (1993)

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Contact Information

Erie County Medical Center
462 Grider Street
Buffalo, New York 14215
Phone: (716) 204-3200
smolinsk@buffalo.edu
View map

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD
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