Sharla Smith, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Sharla Smith, MPH, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor in the Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. Dr. Smith’s research focus concerns strategies for infant mortality, community health education, organizing and financing public health services, and program and partnership development. She has specific expertise in maternal and child health issues that relate to the public health systems, public health agencies, policy, and community organizations.

Her current research focuses on the association of public health delivery systems and injury related infant mortality. She has taught several public health courses including public health law, introduction to public health, introduction to health policy and politics, and epidemiology. Dr. Smith earned a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management and a PhD in Health Systems and Services Research from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). She is a 2014 recipient of the PHSSR Post-doctoral Scholar in Public Health Delivery award.

Project

• The Influence of Public Health System Partnerships on Infant Mortality
• Injury Prevention Partnerships to Reduce Infant Mortality among Vulnerable Populations

Research Areas

• System Structure and Performance
• Interorganizational Relationships and Partnerships

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