In 2020, Dr. Karen Smith felt a lump in my abdomen, and I was subsequently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I underwent surgery in an out-of-town hospital. I had some post-operative complications and ended up staying in the hospital much longer than anticipated. It was very lonely and very scary, being in an unfamiliar city, in an unfamiliar hospital, and being near the beginning of the COVID… See more
Karen R. Smith, MD
Lafayette, LA 70508 Get Directions
Annual Membership Fee
My Philosophy and Approach to Wellness...
My approach is to get to know you personally. I will sit with you, listen to you, assess your health, educate you and together we will formulate a plan specific to you work towards the best healthcare experience possible.
I am a board certified internal medicine doctor with specific interest in early illness detection, preventive medicine, geriatric medicine, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and COPD. I limit the number of patients in my practice to ensure we have the time needed for your individualized care. Similar to conveniences often associated with concierge medicine practices, I also offer same- or next-day appointments that start on time. I admit my patients to Lafayette General Hospital and work with specialists as needed to give my patients full comprehensive care.
Dr. Smith's Credentials
University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
San Francisco, CA
Internal Medicine 1997-1999
University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
San Francisco, CA
Doctorate of Medicine 1996
University of California
Berkeley, CA
Masters of Science, Health and Medical Sciences 1994
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
Bachelor of Science, Zoology 1986
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
Louisiana Extended Care Hospital
Top Doctor, Castle Connolly 2015-2024
Louisiana Physician EQ Health Capstone Quality Award 2010, 2011
Top 10 Internists in Lafayette, Rate MDs list 2012-present
H.P.V. Wilson Award, University of North Carolina 1986
University of California
- Medical Student Award, American Federation for Clinical Research 1994
- Excellence in Research Award, Western Student Medical Research Committee 1994
Lafayette State Medical Society
- Preventive and Wellness Care, cost containments in outpatient and inpatient care, Comprehensive Health Care and Geriatrics
Personal Interests
- Dogs, exercise, fresh air, sunrise, beaches, gardening and photography
Testimonials from patients of Dr. Smith
My side by side radiator blew up in the field and had bad burns and was heading back to my house while trying to call Dr. Karen Smith and she answered right away and guided me through the emergency process. She let me know I was about to go into shock and to call an ambulance asap. Through my recovery process and trips to the burn unit, Dr. Smith called me everyday to check on me. She and Ms.… See more
Doctor Smith and her staff have been wonderful with my medical care for about 20 years. Examples. 1st visit 55 minutes, many after hours calls to wife with cancer, most complete physicals from start, always able to walk into office or call and get answer, have Dr. and nurse personal phone numbers, both accept calls are call us after hours to check when I’ll, best smiles and Hugs you have… See more
Dr Karen Smith was incredibly wonderful when my husband became terminally ill. Kind and gave him all of the time he needed for exceptional care. She would have his office visits on Friday when no other patients were seen at that time to keep him from exposure to other diseases. She called for ongoing updates when he was being seen by other specialists out of state. I can not express how… See more
The best medical decision I may have ever made was deciding to move to concierge medicine / MDVIP with Dr. Karen Smith. I get the best of both worlds. A phenomenally talented local doctor who has time to not only get to know me medically but time to inform and educate me as to help to best manage my health. At the same time, she and I have the resources of the Cleveland Clinic's lab and… See more
It is so comforting to have someone at your beck and call 24/7. I feel so secure having her in my life as I age. She and her assistant Denise are like my dear friends...I always feel comfortable calling any time and knowing that they care whenever my husband and I are there. The staff is great as well. Dr. Karen's office is about 5 minutes from where I live. I will,and do recommend Dr.… See more
Doctor Karen Smith and her staff are truly wonderful, they have given me unwavering support. I can't thank them enough they have made a difference in meeting my medical needs, through their kindness, support, and sincere caring. Thank you very much for taking care of me and the quick response time in reviewing my medical tests. Dr. Karen Smith is very skilled and very thoughtful, I… See more
Dr. Karen Smith has been my doctor since 1/21. She has made such a difference , not only in my life , but for my family also. Each one has expressed to me , that they have been relieved of stress since I became her patient. She is always available by text or phone to get updates on health issues or complaints that I may have. I always feel better after getting her input on the situations. My… See more
I have many health issues, most of which I had when I first started seeing Dr. Smith. She does not give up on helping me solve many of these issues, though I do not always do what she expects. She has many ideas to help me get on track. I appreciate her dedication and the time she spends with me. I appreciate, as well, the speed with which her office reports test results to me. My husband is… See more
Dr. Smith makes you feel like you are her only patient. She listens carefully and asks pertinent questions that gives me the best medical attention. Always takes my call. I am healthy because she treats the whole patient; nutrition, exercise and any medical issues that need to be addressed. I hope she does not retire during my lifetime. Fabulous doctor!!