Laurie Goodrich – Global Leader in Equine Regenerative Medicine
DVM, MS, PhD
Laurie Goodrich, DVM, MS, PhD, stands among the most respected and visionary leaders in equine orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal research.
As Director of the Orthopaedic Research Center at Colorado State University’s C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, she has built a career defined by scientific rigor, surgical excellence, and a relentless commitment to improving outcomes for both equine athletes and human patients suffering from joint and bone injuries.
Her work blends the precision of a surgeon, the curiosity of a scientist, and the mindset of a trailblazer. Across decades of clinical practice, laboratory discovery, and academic leadership, Laurie Goodrich has become a central figure in the advancement of regenerative therapies and biologics in veterinary medicine.
Early Training and Path to Surgical Expertise
Laurie Goodrich’s foundation in veterinary medicine began at the University of Illinois, where she earned her DVM. She then completed an internship at the Virginia–Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, followed by a rigorous equine surgical residency at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Northern Virginia.
During her residency, she also earned a Master of Science in Pharmacology, demonstrating early on her drive to integrate clinical practice with deeper scientific understanding.
Her academic career took root in 1996, when she joined Cornell University as an equine surgeon. While at Cornell, she pursued advanced research in cartilage biology, completing her PhD in cartilage repair in 2005. This combination of high-level surgical training and scientific investigation would go on to define her leadership in the field.
A Central Figure in Orthopedic Innovation at Colorado State University
In 2005, Laurie Goodrich joined Colorado State University as an Assistant Professor of Equine Surgery. She is now a Professor of Surgery, a principal investigator in the Orthopaedic Research Center, and the Barbara Cox Anthony University Chair in Orthopaedics.
Her appointment as Director of the Orthopaedic Research Center places her at the helm of one of the world’s most productive programs in equine orthopedics and musculoskeletal discovery.
A board-certified surgeon, she is also an ACVS Founding Fellow in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Large Animal Orthopedics, reflecting her significant contributions to the development and application of advanced surgical techniques for horses.
Research at the Cutting Edge of Regenerative Medicine and Gene Therapy
Laurie Goodrich is widely recognized for her translational research exploring new methods for joint and bone repair. Her work bridges laboratory science with clinical application, bringing new therapeutic strategies closer to practical use in the field.
Her research program focuses on:
- Regenerative medicine for cartilage and bone restoration
- Gene therapy, including adeno-associated viral vectors delivering growth factors and anti-inflammatory molecules
- Stem cell therapy, particularly mesenchymal stem cell applications
- Biologic therapies, including platelet-rich plasma and other regenerative biologics
Her team has contributed foundational work demonstrating how stem cells, biologics, and genetic modification can be used to enhance musculoskeletal healing. By studying both equine and human systems, her laboratory helps to accelerate medical progress across species, a hallmark of CSU’s translational mission.
Leadership Across Professional Organizations
Laurie Goodrich’s influence extends far beyond the laboratory and operating room. She plays major roles in national and international organizations focused on surgery, orthopedics, and regenerative medicine. Her leadership positions include:
- Board of Directors, North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Association
- Immediate Past Chair, Preclinical Models Section, Orthopedic Research Society
- Past Chair, Board of Regents, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
- Active Faculty Member, AOVET
These appointments reflect her status as a respected voice in guiding research standards, surgical education, and the advancement of novel therapies.
A Scientist, Surgeon, Mentor and Athlete
Despite a demanding professional life, Laurie Goodrich embraces the Colorado outdoors with enthusiasm. She is a dedicated horseback rider and an avid backcountry skier, mountain biker, and whitewater kayaker: activities that mirror the athletic spirit of the equine patients she treats and studies.
Why Laurie Goodrich Matters
The impact of Laurie Goodrich reaches across the worlds of veterinary surgery, translational science, and regenerative medicine. Her discoveries influence how clinicians treat joint injuries.
Her leadership elevates standards for orthopedic research. Her mentorship shapes the next generation of surgeons and scientists. And her dedication to advancing musculoskeletal healing continues to open new possibilities for both horses and humans.
Her career stands as a powerful example of how deep scientific knowledge and surgical expertise can combine to transform a field—and change countless lives along the way.
Laurie Goodrich is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from her, Sarah Gold and Lauren Schnabel, make sure to explore the Equine Lameness Program. This the most comprehensive, case-based training pathway designed to help veterinarians make a measurable difference to the horses in their care.