About
Dr. Karen R. Smith earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1986. She went on to complete a Master of Science in Health and Medical Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley in 1994. She then earned her Doctorate of Medicine from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine in 1996. Her internal medicine residency, also at UCSF, ran from 1997 to 1999. The American Board of Internal Medicine certifies her in her specialty.
Dr. Smith is passionate about early illness detection, preventive medicine, geriatric care, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, and COPD. She serves on the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Subcommittee at Lafayette General Medical Center, a post she has held since 2013. Castle Connolly has named her a Top Doctor each year from 2015 through 2024 and recognized her as an Exceptional Woman in Medicine from 2020 through 2024. She also appears on the Rate MDs Top 10 Internists in Lafayette list, which she has maintained since 2012. Outside the clinic, she enjoys dogs, exercise, gardening, and photography.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Science, Zoology 1986
Medical School
University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine 1996
Residency
Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, 1997-1999
Additional Training
University of California, Berkeley, Masters of Science, Health and Medical Sciences 1994
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Smith right for?
Dr. Smith is a strong fit for adults seeking a primary care physician who takes time to understand their full health picture. Patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, or COPD benefit from her focused clinical expertise. Older adults and those prioritizing preventive care and early detection find her geriatric medicine background especially relevant. Patients who value direct physician access, including after-hours availability, will feel well supported in her practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Smith focuses on diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, and COPD. She also brings strong expertise in preventive medicine, geriatric care, and early illness detection. Her clinical approach addresses both the management of existing conditions and the prevention of future health problems.
Yes. The American Board of Internal Medicine certifies Dr. Smith in internal medicine. She completed her residency training at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine.
Dr. Smith completed her medical degree and internal medicine residency at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. She also holds a Master of Science in Health and Medical Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley. She began her academic career at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology.
Dr. Smith has earned consistent recognition over many years. Castle Connolly named her a Top Doctor annually from 2015 through 2024 and recognized her as an Exceptional Woman in Medicine from 2020 through 2024. She also received the Louisiana Physician EQ Health Capstone Quality Award in 2010 and 2011. Rate MDs has listed her among the Top 10 Internists in Lafayette since 2012.
Yes. Dr. Smith admits patients to Lafayette General Medical Center. She also holds affiliations with Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center and Louisiana Extended Care Hospital. She works directly with specialists to coordinate comprehensive care when patients need it.
Dr. Smith builds her practice around personal connection. She takes time to sit with each patient, listen to their concerns, assess their health, and educate them on their options. She and her patient then build a care plan together that reflects that individual's specific health goals.
Dr. Smith has limited availability and may maintain a waiting list. Prospective patients can submit a request for more information through her MDVIP profile to learn about current openings.
Dr. Smith serves on the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Subcommittee at Lafayette General Medical Center, a position she has held since 2013. She is also a member of the Louisiana State Medical Society and the Lafayette State Medical Society.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026