Sharla Smith, Ph.D., MPH, an accomplished alumna of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, has carved out a notable niche in the realm of women’s health advocacy. As the associate professor and director of birth equity at the University of Kansas Medical Center’s Department of Population Health, Smith is on a mission to raise awareness and improve the healthcare landscape for women, particularly those from marginalized communities.
### Commitment to Women’s Health
Smith’s passion for public health was ignited during her time at UAMS, where she recognized the pivotal role health policy plays in the lives of families. “From the start of this journey, my goal was to seek ways to help the community,” she states. This commitment has evolved over her career into a focus on maternal and infant health, as well as disparities faced by women in various health areas.
After earning her Master’s in Health Policy and Management in 2004, Smith didn’t stop there. She further pursued a doctoral degree with a focus on Health Services and Systems Research, successfully completing it in 2013. Her academic journey laid the foundation for her future career, equipping her with essential skills to tackle pressing health issues.
Recognition of her expertise led her to an assistant professor position in 2014, where she addressed infant mortality in Kansas. Smith has since made significant strides in understanding and combating disparities related to maternal and infant health, women’s cancer disparities, and promoting community health.
### Community Engagement
For Smith, academic achievement is only part of the puzzle. She finds immense joy in community engagement, where she applies her research to real-world scenarios. “What brings me joy is that I get to do community engagement along with the research,” she reflects. This dual focus allows her work to resonate deeply within the community, creating actionable pathways for families to access the resources they need.
Her community-driven approach is exemplified in her role in organizing outreach efforts that engage local families. These initiatives not only disseminate vital information but also empower individuals by involving them in their health decisions. Seeing community members embrace her work is profoundly rewarding and fuels her ambition to continue advocating for women’s health.
### Emotional Challenges and Networks of Support
Though deeply fulfilling, Smith’s work does have its emotional toll. Engaging closely with individuals facing health challenges can be draining. To combat this, she emphasizes the importance of building a supportive network. “What I’ve learned to do is develop a village of people who do the same work that I do,” she shares. This sisterhood among health professionals provides her with both motivation and solace, allowing her to remain focused and resilient.
### Foundations from Her Upbringing
Smith credits much of her success and outlook to her upbringing in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. Growing up in a close-knit rural community has profoundly shaped her understanding of what it means to care for one’s neighbors. “In my hometown, everybody knew everybody,” she explains. This sense of connectedness instilled in her the value of community support and engagement, principles she employs in her work today.
Her path to public health was not linear, as she initially began her educational journey in biology at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB). However, it was a pivotal moment with an inspiring instructor that led her toward public health. “At the College of Public Health, there were a lot of instructors who really cared about you succeeding,” she recalls, attributing her academic success to the mentorship she found there.
### The Importance of Mentorship and Support
Mentorship has emerged as a critical theme in Smith’s career. It is not just the experience but the influence of caring mentors that molded her professional journey. “My experience in the college is one of those things. It was a vital experience that I needed,” she emphasizes. It is this emphasis on mentorship and support in academia at UAMS that she hopes to replicate for her students at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
As a dedicated mom and grandmother, her family life enriches her perspective on health and well-being. By advocating for policies that support women’s health, she aims to ensure future generations have better healthcare access.
### Current Trends in Women’s Health Advocacy
With the growing awareness of health disparities and the shifting public policy landscape, advocacy work around women’s health has never been more critical. Issues such as maternal morbidity rates, access to prenatal care, and health education are gaining attention. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted these gaps, prompting health systems to reevaluate how they serve women, especially those in marginalized communities.
Public health professionals like Smith are pushing for equitable access to healthcare services, promoting policies that prioritize women’s health, and driving home the importance of community-based initiatives.
### Conclusion
Sharla Smith’s journey from a small-town girl to a leader in women’s health advocacy illustrates the power of education, mentorship, and community engagement. Her unwavering commitment to addressing health disparities demonstrates the impact one individual can have on an entire population.
As we continue to grapple with significant health issues, advocates like Smith remind us of the importance of compassion, resilience, and community in shaping a healthier future for women and families. In her own words, “Seeing parents get what they need and enjoy the work we do… that’s all very rewarding.”
In conclusion, women’s health advocacy must remain a priority in public health discussions and policies. Smith’s work serves as both an inspiration and a roadmap for future leaders looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
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