Episode #426 Building Better Health Departments with Jimmie Smith, MD, MPH
- Laura Hollabaugh
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- Oct 13
- 4 min read
On This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
This insightful episode with Dr. Jimmie Hayes Smith explores his journey from clinical medicine to public health leadership, showcasing his dedication to community-centered healthcare, equity, and collaboration. As the administrator for Macon Bibb County Health Department in Georgia, Dr. Smith offers practical advice on navigating public health challenges, building partnerships, and empowering diverse communities across county and regional lines. His warm stories and thought-provoking tips provide inspiration to listeners at any stage of their public health careers.
Meet Jimmie Hayes Smith
Dr. Smith’s foundation in health began with an undergraduate degree from Johnson C. Smith University, medical degree from Wayne State University, and residency training at the Southwest Georgia Family Medicine Residency Program. He was an Education Staff Fellow at the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in Kansas City, Missouri. He completed the Master of Public Health Degree with a concentration in Environmental Health from Fort Valley State University and has completed graduate courses Educational Leadership from Mercer University. These experiences have provided him with an exceptional lens in the areas of general family medicine, public health practice, and public health policy.
His professional experiences include, but are not limited to, academic and public health practice. He has facilitated courses for Argosy University-Atlanta, Atlanta Metropolitan College, and Mercer University School of Medicine. Dr. Smith served as an Assistant Professor of Practice for Mercer University and as the Liaison for the Academic Health Department. This relationship was the first of its kind in the state of Georgia, helping to strengthen the links between public health practice and academia. He remains with Mercer University, facilitating courses at the master’s and doctoral level.
Dr. Smith gained federal public health experience while serving as the Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Health and 16th Surgeon General of the United States. He has served as the Deputy Director of Clinical Services for the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness and served as the Senior Deputy for Health Science in the Chronic Disease Section at the Georgia Department of Public Health before taking on the role of Administrator of Macon-Bibb County Health Department during the Covid-19 pandemic. He maintains service to the profession by being the current President of the Georgia Public Health Association and serves on the Executive Committee of the American Public Health Association. He is an active member of the APHA Community Health Planning and Policy Development Section, represented Georgia and Region IV in the Council of Affiliates, and is engaged with the Public Health Accreditation Board.
Dr. Smith remains active in the central Georgia community through the Central Georgia Scout Council, and active at Bibb Mount Zion Baptist Church. He is married to Dr. Yvette Monique Davis-Smith, and they have three children- Elizabeth, Amelia, and Gordon.
Listen To This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
Conversation Highlights
Clinical Roots, Public Health Vision: Dr. Smith’s transition from family physician to public health leader was inspired by early experiences connecting clinical care with community well-being and advocating for holistic solutions beyond the exam room.
Champion for Equity: His passion centers on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), reframed as “decisions, empowerment, and imperative,” highlighting the need to address social determinants of health and empower those without a voice
Chief Health Strategist Role: As county administrator, he sets vision, manages interdisciplinary teams, and coordinates services, from maternal-child health to environmental health, WIC, dental care, and injury prevention.
Collaboration Across Borders: Dr. Smith emphasizes creative, flexible partnerships with regional, academic, social, and civic organizations, breaking down silos to tackle challenges and strengthen public health infrastructure.
Storytelling for Advocacy: He uses storytelling to connect with businesses, students, and policymakers, demonstrating the importance of population-level approaches and making public health relatable and compelling.
Seek Experiences Over Positions: Career advice centers on building broad, reputation-rich experiences and embracing service, not just leadership or titles—wisdom gained from working with mentors like Dr. David Satcher.
Integrity and Vision: He encourages listeners to guard integrity, nurture character, and never let those with limited vision proofread your aspirations.
Accessible Leadership: Dr. Smith models leadership that’s grounded in service, empowerment, and building environments where staff and communities thrive.
"DEI can also stand for decisions, empowerment, and imperative. And we're still doing the same work."– Dr. Jimmie Hayes Smith
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