Brent Smith, MD, FAAFP, a family physician, was honored as the Katie Patterson Award recipient for 2025 by the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP). Dr. Katie Patterson of Indianola was one of the best cheerleaders and mentors for family medicine. The MAFP created an award in her honor and memory to be given to a physician who provides guidance and encouragement to medical students and residents.
This award is given to one outstanding family physician each year who actively provides guidance and encouragement to medical students or residents and contributes to the personal and professional development of future leaders in the field of family medicine.
Dr. Smith grew up in the Mississippi Delta and is a first-generation physician whose parents instilled in him the value of hard work, servant leadership, and community-minded activism. His passion for Family Medicine was kindled during his third year of med school and set fully ablaze after attending an American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) National Resident and Student Conference. That fire continues to burn brightly as he now serves on the AAFP Board of Directors.
After completing residency, he finished his clinical education with a primary care sports medicine fellowship at the University of Alabama, combining an admiration for sports with a desire to treat the entire spectrum of medical conditions affecting athletes. During residency, fellowship and his early career, Smith worked to broaden his education by completing a Bachelor of History from Ouachita Baptist University, a Master of Science in Clinical Education through the University of Edinburgh, and a Master of Legal Studies in Healthcare Law through the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Smith is currently the Program Director for the Mississippi Delta Family Medical Residency Program.
Dr. Smith stated, “I’m honored for my name to be mentioned alongside of Katie Patterson’s, as she was a role model, a mentor, and a friend. I hope by the end of my career we have done as much as we can to carry on her legacy and further her work.”
This year’s award was presented to Dr. Smith on June 20th at the MS Delta Family Medicine Residency Graduation. Dr. Patterson’s husband, David, and their sons, Samuel, Reilly, Nicholas, and John Kastens joined the event and helped present Dr. Smith with the award.
