Biography
Holly Dawn Volek Smith, MD, is a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. With decades of experience in academic medicine, Dr. Smith is a dual board-certified physician in pediatrics and internal medicine, and a dedicated educator, clinician, and advocate for all children and young adults, particularly youth with complex medical needs.
Dr. Smith earned her BS in biology, magna cum laude, from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and her MD from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. She completed her residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the same institution, where she also served as chief medical resident.
Since 2000, Dr. Smith has held clinical appointments at major Houston hospitals, including Memorial Hermann Hospital–Texas Medical Center, Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, and TIRR Memorial Hermann. She is the founder and medical director of the Chosen Transition Clinic, a pioneering program that supports adolescents and young adults with complex medical conditions as they transition from pediatric to adult care.
Dr. Smith is deeply involved in medical education, mentoring students and residents, developing curricula, and participating in clinical training programs. She has served on numerous institutional and community committees, contributed to quality improvement initiatives, and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Her scholarly work spans topics from pediatric headaches to gastroesophageal reflux and case reports of unique medical conditions.
A committed community leader, Dr. Smith has participated in medical mission trips, served on nonprofit boards, and provided mentorship and education in both medical and non-medical settings. Her work has been recognized through numerous teaching roles and invited lectures.
Education
- Graduate School
- UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, 1996
- Residency
- UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, 1996-2000
Areas of Interest
Clinical Interests
General internal medicine and pediatrics,
Health of young adults
Medical education
Publications
Dr. Smith’s Google Scholar profile contains the most current list of publications.
Book Chapters
- Mazur, LJ and Smith, HD: Gastroesophageal reflux in Current Pediatric Therapy, 18th Edition. Ed: Burg, FD, Saunders Elsevier, Philadelphia: 532-5, 2006.
- Smith, HD and Mazur, LJ: Gastroesophageal reflux in the adolescent in Evidence-Based Pediatrics and Child Health, 2nd Edition. Ed: Moyer, VA and Elliott, EJ, BMJ, London: 349-64, 2004.
- Mazur, LJ and Smith, HD: Gastroesophageal reflux in the infant in Evidence-Based Pediatrics and Child Health, 2nd Edition. Ed: Moyer, VA and Elliot, EJ, BMJ, London: 341-7, 2004.
- DeLaGarza, J, and Smith, H: Testicular Pain and Swelling in Challenges in Pediatric Diagnosis. Ed: Lawrence F. Nazarian, American Academy of Pediatrics, IL: 17-9, 2000.
Articles
- Smith, HD and Shah, Avni: Index of Suspicion. Pediatrics in Review. 30(10): 403-408, 2009
- Smith, HD and Shah, Avni: Index of Suspicion. Pediatrics in Review. 30(10): 403-408, 2009
- Gunner, K., Smith, HD and Ferguson, L.: A practical guideline to the diagnosis and management of migraine headaches in children and adolescents, Part II. Journal of Pediatric Healthcare. 22: 52 – 9, 2008.
- Gunner, K., and Smith, HD: A practical guideline to the diagnosis and management of migraine headaches in children and adolescents, Part I. Journal of Pediatric Healthcare 21: 327- 32, 2007.
- Rodriguez, P and Smith, HD: Chronic Distended Abdomen with Pain. Puzzler in Contemporary Pediatrics. 24(11):24-32, 2007.
- Smith, HD, and Gupta, S: Ring-Enhancing Brain Lesion in a Man with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. The American Journal of Medicine. 119, 246-7, 2006
- Smith, HD, and Flenaugh, EL: Photo Quiz: Atypical Pneumonia in a Man with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 35: 286, 334-5, 2002.
- DeLaGarza, J, and Smith, H: Index of Suspicion. Pediatrics in Review. 20(10): 353, 356, 1999.
- Volek-Smith, H, and Urist, M: Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenic Protein Induced Heterotopic Bone Development in Vivo and in Vitro. P.S.E.B.M. 211: 265-72, 1996.
Certifications
American Board of Pediatrics, 2008
American Board of Internal Medicine, 2012