Thomas Parker Vail :::
Thomas Parker Vail
Graduated in 1977
Inducted in 2006
Thomas Vail graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1977, where he served as president
of the Junior and Senior Class, was involved in the National Honors Society and Circus Club, was a
member of the soccer team, and lettered in gymnastics. His academic career continued at Duke
University, where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and
Materials Science. He then went on to medical school, attending Loyola University where he received
his Medical Doctorate. He is now Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of Adult
Reconstructive Surgery at Duke University. He is involved in patient care, teaching, and research.
Vail is a recipient of more than 20 awards, including the Resident/Fellow Research Award, Harris
Award, Paul Award, and the Piedmont Orthopaedic Society Chairman’s Award. He is past president of
the Eastern Orthopaedic Association, member of the Hip Society, Knee Society, and belongs to more
than one dozen other national, regional and local professional medical organizations and societies.
Vail regularly presents at local, regional national and international meetings. He serves on many
professional, editorial and education board. Vail has written more than 50 full-length manuscripts,
contributed to nearly one dozen textbooks, and continues his research in implant design and
cartilage repair.
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