Welcome from the Chief
Welcome to the Section of Adolescent Medicine and we thank you for visiting our site today.
We have a diverse group of experienced faculty and providers who are dedicated to the care of young people from age 12 to 21. Through years of focused experience with adolescent-age patients, the services provided to teens include everything from managing everyday health and wellness to assisting in the specialized care of adolescent patients living with chronic diseases. Through their focus on mental health and wellness, they also offer care in the behavioral health area, including the diagnosis and management of eating disorders.
Adolescent Medicine providers also understand that there are unique challenges to being a teenager and raising a teenager. They seek to help both their young patients and their parents navigate the years from childhood to young adulthood with an emphasis on not only physical wellness but also mental and emotional wellness and resiliency.
Mission Statement
We strive to promote the health and well-being of adolescents across the state of Arkansas through high-quality, specialized care tailored to the unique healthcare needs of teens. We will advance our mission through patient-centered clinical practice, medical education, clinical research, and advocacy.
Our Residents and Fellows see patients with a variety of acute and chronic conditions and develop skills related to:
- Primary Care
- Annual wellness exams and Sports Physicals
- Patient-Centered Medical Home services
- Adolescent Clinic Consultative Services
- Gynecologic/Reproductive health concerns
- Contraceptive services
- Sexual health and wellness
- Behavioral health concerns, including— depression, anxiety, ADHD and others
- Musculoskeletal complaints, including sport-related injury
- Complex Care to partner with PCPs in the management of teens with complex medical care needs during their adolescent years
- Eating Disorders
- Assessment & outpatient management
- Inpatient consultation
Our Vision:
We champion teens by making them better today and healthier tomorrow through our service as a leader in the promotion of health, well-being, and equity of Arkansas’ adolescents. Accomplishing this vision also allows us to mentor and train future physicians and researchers in real-world, clinical environments.
Physician Researchers
Physicians’ research interests include sports medicine and eating disorders, diabetes and obesity. The basic education mission is to educate primary care physicians and others who are interested in learning about the appropriate health care for adolescents and young adults.
If you’re looking to specialize in adolescent medicine, please reach out and let’s connect.
Sincerely,
Chris Smith, M.D.
Interim Section Chief of Adolescent Medicine
Course Director Practice of Medicine II