Laurel Blakemore

Laurel Blakemore, MD has joined PSV as Chief Executive Officer, and is charged with continuing the successful growth and development of this exciting collaboration between Children’s National Hospital and Inova Health System. This unique collaboration leverages the resources, talent, and expertise of these two great institutions, bringing together the area’s premier pediatric specialists to provide the best care possible for the children of Northern Virginia.

Dr. Blakemore earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, and graduated from medical school at the University of Alabama She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her residency in orthopedic surgery followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Orthopedics at Case Western Reserve University. She continues to be clinically active, caring for children with spinal conditions as well as general pediatric orthopedic conditions. She participates in international study groups focusing on pediatric spinal deformity and continues to contribute to areas of research to improve the orthopedic care of children.

Dr. Blakemore has distinguished herself as an expert surgeon for complex spine deformities in children. In 2004 she was recruited from the faculty at the University of Michigan to serve as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. During this time she greatly expanded the size and scope of the orthopedic program at Children’s National Hospital. Dr. Blakemore was also instrumental in establishing orthopedic surgery as one of the inaugural divisions at PSV.

Dr. Blakemore has published multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters. She serves as an associate editor for Spine Deformity and reviewer for several other peer-reviewed journals, and has served as a visiting professor national and internationally on multiple occasions. She has served on the board of directors for the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS). She is currently the Secretary and Governance Council Chair for the SRS, the first female elected officer for that society.

Dr. Blakemore is excited to begin her work with PSV as it continues to grow and meet the needs of the children of Northern Virginia who will benefit from pediatric specialty services close to home. She is committed to enhancing the strong relationship between the parent organizations and leading PSV to the next level.