Primary Care That Makes You Primary

Karen R. Smith, MD

Internal Medicine

More about Dr. Smith

call 337.504.7979

Get Started Today

Fill out the form to join now, receive more information, or schedule a meeting with Dr. Smith.

Residency

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
San Francisco, CA
Internal Medicine 1997-1999

Medical School

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
San Francisco, CA
Doctorate of Medicine 1996

Postgraduate

University of California
Berkeley, CA
Masters of Science, Health and Medical Sciences 1994

Undergraduate

University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
Bachelor of Science, Zoology 1986

American Board of Internal Medicine

Lafayette General Medical Center
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
Louisiana Extended Care Hospital

Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Subcommittee, Lafayette General Medical Center 2013-present

Castle Connolly Exceptional Women in Medicine, 2020-2024
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

Louisiana State Medical Society
Lafayette State Medical Society

Louisiana

Professional Interests
- 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

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What Members Are Saying

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 pandemic. Dr. Smith called me several times while I was in the hospital, just to see how I was doing and to offer words of encouragement. She also sent several TOY text message - I had to ask her what that meant and she told me it stood for "Thinking of You". I am now more than three years out from surgery and doing well. I remember being in the hospital and how Dr. Smith's tangible concern for me and for my husband was so important. She helped us get through that most difficult time and I am eternally grateful.

Lani

Patient of Karen R. Smith, MD

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. Denise are very personable and truly care about the wellbeing of their patients. They go above and beyond for me and I appreciate all that they do for me especially at a last minutes notice and meet my every need as a patient.

Nancy

Patient of Karen R. Smith, MD

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 fortunate both of us are to have her on our team for a good life. I continue to see her for myself she since she began her practice here in Lafayette, Louisiana too. She is always available to answer questions and keeps me healthy with her office evaluations, and encourages me to continue my exercises, waking 3-5 miles, yoga and healthy diet. I am in good health at 75 and take no medications except for an occasional respiratory infection. Great partner in my health!

Karen Kay

Patient of Karen R. Smith, MD

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

MDVIP’s annual fee covers the Wellness Program and generally can be made in quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments.

Quarterly

$450.00 every 3 months*

Semi-Annual

$900.00 every 6 months*

Annual

$1,800.00 each year*

Meet Karen R. Smith, MD

I believe a key component to happiness is good health. The best way to achieve better health is to have a doctor who knows you and cares about you and your health goals.

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.

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What Members Are Saying

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 pandemic. Dr. Smith called me several times while I was in the hospital, just to see how I was doing and to offer words of encouragement. She also sent several TOY text message - I had to ask her what that meant and she told me it stood for "Thinking of You". I am now more than three years out from surgery and doing well. I remember being in the hospital and how Dr. Smith's tangible concern for me and for my husband was so important. She helped us get through that most difficult time and I am eternally grateful.

Lani

Patient of Karen R. Smith, MD

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. Denise are very personable and truly care about the wellbeing of their patients. They go above and beyond for me and I appreciate all that they do for me especially at a last minutes notice and meet my every need as a patient.

Nancy

Patient of Karen R. Smith, MD

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 fortunate both of us are to have her on our team for a good life. I continue to see her for myself she since she began her practice here in Lafayette, Louisiana too. She is always available to answer questions and keeps me healthy with her office evaluations, and encourages me to continue my exercises, waking 3-5 miles, yoga and healthy diet. I am in good health at 75 and take no medications except for an occasional respiratory infection. Great partner in my health!

Karen Kay

Patient of Karen R. Smith, MD

Get Started Today

Fill out the form to join now, receive more information, or schedule a meeting with Dr. Smith.

Primary Care That Makes You Primary

A new healthcare model to suit your lifestyle

Benefits of joining Dr. Smith's practice with MDVIP

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MDVIP Wellness Program

Expect comprehensive screenings and tests and a custom wellness plan designed for you.

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Better Doctor-Patient Relationship

97% of MDVIP members are satisfied with their relationship (vs 58% in traditional PCP).

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Same/Next-Day Appointments

See Dr. Smith quickly and take your time during each appointment.

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Reachable 24/7

Reach Dr. Smith by phone or text after-hours, and on weekends.

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Smaller Practice Size

MDVIP practices are smaller than most primary care practices, which means your doctor has more time to help you.

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Your Dedicated Doctor

See Dr. Smith when you go to the office — not someone else like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant

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Travel Benefits

If you need urgent care while traveling, your physician can help arrange your care with a local hospital, pharmacy or doctor.

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Medical Centers of Excellence

For patients who need care beyond what is available locally, MDVIP can connect your doctor with specialists at some of the country’s leading medical institutions

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Better Health Outcomes

Members have better control of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctors who operate in the MDVIP models typically see far fewer patients than traditional primary care doctors. That gives them more time to develop deeper doctor-patient relationships that can lead to better outcomes. They can also offer conveniences that most primary care doctors can’t, including same- and next-day appointments. They’re available after hours for urgent matters. And they have time to focus on prevention. That focus begins with the MDVIP Wellness Program, which patients pay for with their annual membership fee.

Most MDVIP-affiliated primary care practices accept insurance (your physician can tell you whether they accept your specific insurance plan). Your annual fee pays for preventive care medical services that insurance usually doesn’t cover (e.g., advanced diagnostic testing and screenings). Your MDVIP-affiliated physician will continue to bill your insurance and charge copays, co-insurances and deductibles as he or she currently does for other medical services like sick visits.

MDVIP makes wellness and prevention easier by providing your physician with innovative tools and technology. MDVIP supports your physician’s practice and seeks to eliminate barriers to a positive healthcare experience. Your doctor will determine whether and how to incorporate these tools at his/her discretion.

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

MDVIP’s annual fee covers the Wellness Program and generally can be made in quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments.

Quarterly

$450.00 every 3 months*

Semi-Annual

$900.00 every 6 months*

Annual

$1,800.00 each year*

Get Started Today

Fill out the form to join now, receive more information, or schedule a meeting with Dr. Smith.

Testimonials from patients of Karen R. Smith, MD

I truly appreciate your sincereness in maintaining our health

from Herbert in LA • March 1, 2018

Renee and I truly appreciate your sincereness in maintaining our health along with your quick response when we have to reach out to you with a problem.

I’m not the best patient, but she and they treat me as though I’m the BEST! Lol!

from George in LA • March 1, 2018

Dr. Karen R. Smith was my primary care physician before her association with MDVIP. I was disappointed when she announced that she was converting her practice. But, I didnt want to lose what I had. Reluctantly, I decided to give it a chance. The only change I was expecting was higher medical costs. Well, I am getting from Dr. Smith and her very capable staff a level of service and care I didnt Read more...

Thanks, Dr. Smith, for your caring, diligent

from Paul in LA • March 1, 2018

Dr. Smith has always been so supportive of me, and is clearly an inspiring leader to her staff, who embody her concern for me. I just can't say enough how I appreciate and depend on them. Over the past several months, Dr. Smith has taken her care for me to an entirely new level, challenging me to learn more about my nutrition and overall health. Most importantly, she has been absolutely Read more...

I had to call the Dr. Smith's office twice because of a health issue and right away I received a response.

from Renee in LA • February 28, 2018

I had to call the Dr. Smith's office twice because of a health issue and right away I received a response. One call was during the Christmas holidays!

l love the doctor's availability

from Marie • October 24, 2016

l love the doctor's availability. Although my health is good now, I'm 83 and feel reassured about the quality of care I'll receive later. It makes feel safe. My children and their spouses were so pleased when I signed up with Dr. Smith. They know the taking care of me later will be easer because of the type of practice I'm involved in.

The Office of Karen R. Smith, MD

Locations & Hours

Primary Office

105 Patriot Avenue Suite 202
Lafayette, LA 70508

call 337.504.7979

Get Directions

Hours

Mon	7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tue	7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wed	7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thu	7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Fri	7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sat	Closed
Sun	Closed

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

MDVIP’s annual fee covers the Wellness Program and generally can be made in quarterly, semi-annual, and annual payments.

Quarterly

$450.00 every 3 months*

Semi-Annual

$900.00 every 6 months*

Annual

$1,800.00 each year*

Get Started Today

Fill out the form to join now, receive more information, or schedule a meeting with Dr. Smith.

Log into

Primary Care That Makes You Primary

Karen R. Smith, MD

Get Started Today

Education

Residency

Medical School

Postgraduate

Undergraduate

Certifications

Hospital Affiliations

Professional Affiliations & Appointments

Honors and Awards

Professional Society Memberships

Licensure

Interests

What Members Are Saying

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

Meet Karen R. Smith, MD

What Members Are Saying

Get Started Today

Primary Care That Makes You Primary

Benefits of joining Dr. Smith's practice with MDVIP

MDVIP Wellness Program

Better Doctor-Patient Relationship

Same/Next-Day Appointments

Reachable 24/7

Smaller Practice Size

Your Dedicated Doctor

Travel Benefits

Medical Centers of Excellence

Better Health Outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s different about MDVIP practices and traditional primary care practices?

How does insurance work in an MDVIP-affiliated practice?

What is MDVIP and what does it do?

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

Get Started Today

Testimonials from patients of Karen R. Smith, MD

I truly appreciate your sincereness in maintaining our health

I’m not the best patient, but she and they treat me as though I’m the BEST! Lol!

Thanks, Dr. Smith, for your caring, diligent

I had to call the Dr. Smith's office twice because of a health issue and right away I received a response.

l love the doctor's availability

The Office of Karen R. Smith, MD

Locations & Hours

Primary Office

Hours

MDVIP Annual Membership Fee

Get Started Today