Education
- Undergraduate
-
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA
1985
- Residency
-
Augusta University Medical College of Georgia
United States
Augusta, GA
1996
-
Memorial Health University Medical Center
United States
Savannah, GA
1992
- Medical School
-
Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
Nashville, TN
1991
- Internship
-
Augusta University Medical College of Georgia
United States
Augusta, GA
1993
- Graduate
-
Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
Nashville, TN
1991
- Fellowship
-
University of Kentucky
United States
Lexington, KY
1999
About
Primary Specialties:
Anesthesiology,
Pain Medicine
Dr. Stephanie J. Smith was initially drawn to the anesthesiology field because in this area of medicine physicians are uniquely able to provide comfort and care to patients during the perioperative period.
Wanting to expand from the brief operative interaction, she decided to move into the pain management field allowing her the ability to form a deeper relationship with patients. Her daily efforts aim to reduce each patient’s pain level so they may partake in a more comfortable, active, and happy lifestyle.
Bringing more than 25 years of medical experience, Dr. Smith joined the National Spine and Pain Centers in summer 2020. A retired Commander with the United States Navy Reserves, she previously worked as a physician for American Anesthesiology, the University of Kentucky A.B. Chandler Medical Center, and Westside Medical Center in Georgia. She also served as an assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Kentucky A.B. Chandler Medical Center. “I enjoy helping people feel better, reconnect to their families and themselves,” she said.
When looking toward the future of pain management, Dr. Smith is excited with the scientific advances and clinical applications of neuraxial therapies. “Continued advances allow us options to manage chronic pain, unlike opioids, with options that minimize risks to the patient, their families, and the general population,” she said.
Supporting a multimodal therapy model, Dr. Smith treats patients as a whole including discussing medication management, physical therapy, psychological support, and rehabilitation to maximize personal capabilities. She teams up with patients to create the best-individualized treatment plans. “Patients who are invested in their care are more likely to respond to therapies and therefore see them as essential for best outcomes,” she said.
After leaving the office, Dr. Smith will most likely be found outdoors playing in the dirt as she is an avid gardener. “It is very rewarding to see and literally eat the fruits and vegetables of your labor,” she said. With a large family, she loves to get together with them for a variety of occasions from vacations, holidays, or just Sunday dinner.
