Heather Smith

Heather Smith, PhD, ABPP, is a Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin and holds roles as Lead Psychologist at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center and Director of the VA Interprofessional Fellowship in Palliative Care. She specializes in geropsychology and palliative care, with a focus on healthcare staff burnout, training, and competency assessment.

Dr. Smith earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University and her PhD from The Ohio State University, where she received the Graduate School Fellowship and graduated summa cum laude. Her postdoctoral training was at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center.

Her research explores psychology training, healthcare communication during crises, and palliative care innovations. Recent work includes adapting mentoring strategies during the pandemic and developing competency assessments for end-of-life care providers.

Publications highlight multidisciplinary approaches to chronic illness management, veteran addiction care integration, and cultural competency for LGBT veterans. She has been recognized for contributions to palliative care education and interprofessional training programs.

Awards: Ohio State University Graduate School Fellowship, Summa Cum Laude.

Leadership roles include directing a nationally recognized palliative care fellowship and leading initiatives to improve geriatric mental health services.