About Dr. Smith

The short version: I turn messy healthcare data into evidence that moves decisions. The long version is a winding path through epidemiology, health economics, AI, and leadership, shaped by the conviction that the best research starts with curiosity, not convenience.

I started in public health because I wanted to understand why health outcomes looked so different for different populations. An MPH at Kent State gave me the policy lens. A PhD at the University of South Florida gave me the methodology. And over a decade of leading HEOR research taught me something grad school couldn't: the best evidence in the world is worthless if it doesn't reach the right decision-maker at the right time.

At Carelon Research (an Elevance Health subsidiary), I co-built research programs that merged advanced analytics with one of the nation's largest claims databases. That work drove $3-5M in annual revenue and led to three new service lines.

I led 12 RWE proposals with a 75% win rate and served as principal investigator on eight studies that became 14 publications. Back-to-back top performer recognition confirmed we were on the right track.

Now, as Senior Director of Scientific Solutions & Strategy at Inspire, I'm building the next generation of real-world evidence and patient insights services. AI and evidence generation work together here, not as separate functions.

Along the way, I picked up an MBA at Johns Hopkins (2025) because I believe scientists who understand business build better teams and make better decisions. I also teach at Jefferson College of Population Health, and previously taught at the University of South Florida and Kent State University, because the next generation of health researchers deserves mentors who are still practicing.