Dr. Stephanie Smith draws on her diverse breadth of experience including occupational health, public health, and disability/impairment medicine to perform disability examinations for Veterans throughout the U.S as part of the Veterans Evaluation Services® (VES) network of clinicians.
Board certified in occupational medicine, Dr. Smith holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and trained at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. She served as the Fort Belvoir, VA Public Health Emergency Officer, Chief of Occupational Health, and Deputy Director of Public Health and was a Flight Surgeon with the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade at the Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington.
Combining a passion for travel with helping people in need
Following separation from active-duty service, Dr. Smith learned from a military mentor about the need for highly trained, qualified clinicians providing services to Veterans throughout the country. By becoming a VES provider, she has been able to travel while also focusing on giving back to Veterans.
“VES has allowed for a multitude of flexible travel opportunities and is very supportive regarding travel. I enjoy my time independently visiting different places, but I also enjoy working one-on-one with Veterans and learning about their experiences in different locations,” Dr. Smith says.
Growing professionally through VES
Dr. Smith has found the work with VES to be professionally fulfilling. She enjoys knowing that the disability evaluations she provides through VES can help Veterans access the support they need to function to the best of their abilities.
“In addition, the opportunities provided through VES have helped me develop stronger physical examination skills and encouraged continued growth in functional assessment of individuals,” she says.
Thriving on the appreciation of Veterans and support staff
Dr. Smith highlights the top-notch support of fellow staff and Veterans’ appreciation of physicians as key elements that make being a part of the VES network even more rewarding.
“I feel highly appreciated when I travel to meet the needs of Veterans. The gratitude shown by the individuals with whom I work at VES has made it one of the most fulfilling professional endeavors I’ve had,” says Dr. Smith.
Become Part of the VES Provider Network
To learn more about the benefits of becoming part of the VES network, visit: www.ves.com/providers