Sharon Smith, M.D.

**Dr. Sharon R. Smith** is a pediatric emergency medicine physician and the new Emergency Medicine Research Director at SJCH, bringing over two decades of clinical and academic excellence to her role. She earned her medical degree from the **Wake Forest School of Medicine**, completed her pediatric residency at **Duke University**, and pursued fellowship training in pediatric emergency medicine at **Washington University in St. Louis**.

Before joining MUSC and SJCH, Dr. Smith served as the **Emergency Department Research Director** at the **University of Connecticut and Connecticut Children's Medical Center**, where she built a robust research infrastructure and mentored a generation of emerging clinician-scientists. Her leadership helped expand the department's research productivity, foster collaborations across disciplines that have directly influenced pediatric emergency care practices.

Dr. Smith's primary areas of interest include **asthma**, **injury prevention**, and **training young investigators**. Her work has emphasized improving outcomes for children with acute asthma exacerbations through innovative treatment protocols and community-based interventions. She has also led national initiatives focused on reducing preventable childhood injuries, integrating public health approaches with emergency care research.

Recognized for her commitment to mentorship and advancing pediatric emergency medicine, Dr. Smith has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching and research leadership. She is known for her ability to translate complex research findings into practical, patient-centered improvements in care. As she transitions to her new role, Dr. Smith remains dedicated to fostering a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and innovation-ensuring that future generations of physicians are equipped to improve the health and safety of children everywhere.