Valerie Smith

Valerie Smith, MD, MPH, FAAP is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine and serves as Vice Chair of Education and Pediatric Clerkship Director. She holds leadership roles in Texas Pediatric Society, Texas Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), including chairing TMA’s Council of Science and Public Health and co-chairing the AAP’s Community Access to Child Health Program. Dr. Smith specializes in foster care advocacy, public health, and addressing food insecurity in clinical settings.

Education:

• BA in Sociology, Baylor University, 1997
• MD, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 2021
• MPH, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 2020

Research Interests:

• Improving foster care systems and child welfare policies
• Integrating behavioral health and community-centered care
• Advocacy in pediatric health policy and public health initiatives

Awards include the 2024 Innovation in Teaching Excellence Award and multiple recognitions for community engagement and public health leadership. She has presented nationally on topics like foster care advocacy, food insecurity, and pediatric health policy.

Additional roles: Board member of East Texas Food Bank, Northeast Texas Public Health District, and Texans Care for Children. Served on TMA’s COVID-19 taskforce and chaired school reopening workgroups.