Keely G. Smith, MD, FAAP

Biography

Keely Smith, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified physician specializing in pediatric hospital medicine. She serves as division chief and professor in the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Division at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, and practices as a hospitalist at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center in Houston. Dr. Smith delivers comprehensive inpatient care to children with a broad array of acute, chronic, and complex medical conditions. She is dedicated to evidence-based, family-centered care and collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to optimize outcomes for her young patients.

Dr. Smith earned her MD from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and completed her combined Internal Medicine–Pediatrics residency at UTHealth Houston as well. She holds board certification in pediatrics and pediatric hospital medicine from the American Board of Pediatrics and maintains an active Texas medical license. Her clinical and scholarly interests focus on educational innovation, pediatric pulmonary care, and patient safety. She has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, including studies on AI use in pediatric care, MIS-C mimicry in viral gastroenteritis, and asthma screening in children with sickle cell disease. Additionally, she contributes to quality improvement efforts through the Department’s Quality Council.

In a leadership capacity, Dr. Smith was named associate chief medical officer at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center in Houston in July 2024, a role that positions her to shape inpatient pediatric care across the Texas Medical Center. She also mentors medical students, residents, and fellows in clinical care, scholarship, and professional development.