Lisa Fortier, DVM, PhD, ACVS
Diplomate - American College of Veterinary Surgeons
James Law Professor of Surgery, Section of Large Animal Surgery
Department of Clinical Sciences
Fortier Laboratory Cornell Ruffian Equine SpecialistsCornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
930 Campus Road, Box 34
Ithaca, NY 14853
Profile
Research/Clinical Interests
Our laboratory investigates the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of arthritis with the ultimate goal of identifying novel molecular targets for the treatment or prevention of arthritis.
Cartilage Biology and the Development of Arthritis
Cartilage provides the protective covering on the ends of bones and allows for pain-free joint movement. When injured, cartilage has a very limited intrinsic capacity for repair, and the end result is frequently arthritis. In the equine athlete, arthritis leads to joint pain, lameness, and loss of performance with associated economic losses.
Current laboratory projects include:
Mitoprotective therapy for treatment of ankle PTOA Performance evaluation of a non-degradable synthetic device for chondral and osteochondral defects of the knee Mitochondrial dysfunction as a link between cartilage injury and osteoarthritis
Hemiplug enhanced osteochondral repair in an ovine model
Heparin coated BMA components
Education
- 2001: Cornell University, Postdoctoral Fellow in Pharmacology
- 1998: Cornell University, PhD
- 1992-1995: Cornell University, Residency in Large Animal Surgery
- 1991-1992: Illinois Equine Hospital, Internship in Large Animal Surgery and Medicine
- 1991: Colorado State University, DVM (Cum Laude)
- 1989: Colorado State University, BS (Cum Laude)
- 1984-1987: Moorhead State University, Pre-vet
Biography/Professional Experience
Dr. Fortier is the James Law Professor of Surgery at Cornell University and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Cartilage and Joint Preservation. She received her doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) from Colorado State University in 1991, and then completed an equine surgery internship at Illinois Equine Hospital. She completed a surgical residency and PhD at Cornell University. She is the Director of Equine Programs and Associate Chair for Graduate Education and Research at Cornell University. Dr. Fortier holds clinics and performs surgery in the Equine Clinic at Cornell in Ithaca, NY, and as a Staff Surgeon at the Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists hospital in Elmont, NY. Dr. Fortier’s primary clinical and translational research interests are in equine orthopedic surgery, tendonitis, and arthritis with expertise in regenerative medicine including platelet rich plasms (PRP), stem cells, and IRAP. She has authored over 200 scientific papers and book chapters on topics related to regenerative medicine, arthritis, and tendonitis.
Awards and Honors
- Editor in Chief: Journal of Cartilage and Joint Preservation
Associate Editor: Cartilage, J Knee Surg, American J Orthopedics
Editorial Consultant Board: Equine Vet J
Editorial Review Boards (present): Am J Sports Med, Equine Vet J, Vet Surg
Ad Hoc Reviewer (present): Osteo and Cart, Arth and Rheum, Am J Vet Res, J Orthop Res. PlosOne - 2019: SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Scholarship and Creative Activities
- 2018: Award for Academic Service, Cornell University
- 2017: Honored Professor, Orthopedic Summit Evolving Techniques Annual Meeting
- 2017- present: Honorary Fellow of the International Cartilage Repair Society
- 2015: Dante and Sharon Ferrini Award for Veterinary Thoroughbred Horseracing Studies
- 2014 - present: American Association of Equine Practitioners On-Call Veterinarian
- 2012-2015: Kester News Hour Team, American Association of Equine Practitioners
- 2005: Pfizer Award for Research Excellence, Cornell University
- 2001: New Investigator Research Award Recipient, Orthopaedic Research Society
- 2000: The Jacques Lemans Best Podium Presentation Award, International Cartilage Repair
Society Meeting, Gothenburg, Sweden - 1998: 1st Place Cornell University Phi Zeta Manuscript Competition, Cornell University
- 1995 - 1998: SmithKline Beecham Incentive Award in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cornell University
- 1996: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
- 1993: American College of Veterinary Surgeons Veterinary Symposium
"Outstanding Resident Presentation-Laboratory Research Division” Runner-up - 1991: Cum Laude, Colorado State University
- 1990-1992: Salsbury Scholastic Scholarship, Colorado State University
- 1989: Heigert Scholastic Award, Colorado State University
Professional/Academic Affiliations
- 2017 - 2019: Co-Chair, College Research Council, Cornell University
- 2017: Co-Chair, 2nd Havemeyer Conference on Regenerative Medicine
- 2016 - 2018: Chair, Emeritus Committee, International Cartilage Repair Society
- 2014 - present: National television On-Call Veterinarian for the American Association of Equine Practitioners
- 2011: Co-Chair, Inaugural Havemeyer Conference on Regenerative Medicine
- 2010 - present: Vice President, International Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Society
- 2010: Launched the journal “Cartilage” for the International Cartilage Repair Society
- 2009 - 2011: President, International Cartilage Repair Society
- 2009 - 2016: Research Advisory Council, Association for Osteosynthesis
- 2007 - present: Executive Board (Treasurer), International Cartilage Repair Society
- 2006 - 2013: Research Advisory Committee, Grayson Jockey-Club
- 2005 - present: Osteoarthritis Research Society International
- 2004 - 2008: Examination Committee, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Chairman, 2008)
- 2004 - 2007: Board of Directors, International Cartilage Repair Society
- 2004: Chair, Orthop Sci Session, The American College of Veterinary Surgeons Annual Meeting
- 2002: Chair, Equine Orthop. Symp, The American College of Veterinary Surgeons Annual Meeting
- 1999 - present: Orthopedic Research Society
- 1996 - present: American College of Veterinary Surgeons
- 1993 - present: Veterinary Orthopedic Society
- 1991 - present: American Association of Equine Practitioners
- 1991 - present: American Veterinary Medical Association