Karen L. Smith, MD, FAAFP

Personal Statement

Each of us is gifted with talents that allow us to fulfill our purpose. I believe in the inherent value of others, transformative leadership and a commitment to fostering collaborative environments where diversity thrives with every voice heard. I am dedicated to closing gaps in health care access, advocating for equity, reducing administrative burden and innovative payment reform for primary care.  

My ultimate goal is to empower family physicians to succeed and thrive. As your president-elect, I will channel my efforts towards lifting others up and navigating opportunities for the collective advancement of the specialty.  

Throughout my AAFP service, I continue to embody empathy, compassion and respect. My leadership vision is consistent: By utilizing knowledge, understanding and solidarity, together we will effect positive change for the future of family medicine.

Biography 

Karen Smith's love of science, medicine and community began at an early age. While growing up in Maryland, she witnessed her father's work at the National Institutes of Health, but she also saw the power of a caring empathetic physician while watching her mother courageously battle a terminal illness. She recognized early that applying science to helping others can change, heal, and save lives.

Empowered with the motivation to serve, Dr. Smith completed an undergraduate degree at Duke University followed by Hahnemann University School of Medicine. Serving as Chief Resident at the Southern Regional AHEC her adventure with the NCAFP launched with Resident Director advancing to NCAFP BOD Chairwoman.

Her professional Family Medicine career began at a solo practice converted to a Rural Health Center, then a corporate-based hospital physician director, subsequently opening her own independent private practice. In addition, she serves as Medical Director for the Health Department, Dr. Smith continues to provide comprehensive rural family medicine with an expert staff. A highlight of her thirty-two years of professional practice was recognition as the 2017 AAFP Family Physician of the Year.

Advocacy for patients and colleagues is a huge motivator. Her passion ranges from working at a community food pantry and Covid initiatives to testifying before Congress. As a change agent, she participates with state and national stakeholder groups. She chaired two AAFP Commissions, (Advocacy) Federal and State Policy as well as Quality and Practice. She served on the NC Hospital Association's Advisory Board, ONC Meaningful Use Vanguard, NC Medical Society BOD, NC AMA Delegate, NMA constituency, ACO Jedi Council, and CMS Quality Physician Payment Program Champion. She cherished being a faculty member for the AAFP Performance Navigator and Leading Physician Well-Being courses. As an AAFP Board member she critically reviews information and carefully acts on behalf of Family Medicine

But of all her life pleasures, it is family and faith that Dr. Smith is most proud of. She and her husband Michael Hendricks are the proud parents of Marcus (Marcus), Michaela (Joseph), Marquise (Misaki), Mikara, and five grandchildren.