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

• 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

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.  

    Please select the PubMed link for a list of Dr. Fortier's publications.

• 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                 1^st 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

• 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