Jackson Native Honored with Distinguished Alumni Award

Jackson, Michigan - Jackson native Mark Smith, MD, will be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award at Grand Valley State University’s commencement ceremony later this month. The award goes to an alumnus who excels in their chosen profession and reflects favorably upon themselves, their community and the university.

Dr. Smith serves as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of Henry Ford Allegiance Health, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Henry Ford Allegiance Medical Group. Dr. Smith is a part of the executive team that drives strategy, quality and vision for the health system and employs, recruits, retains and leads over 140 providers who work for the medical group.

An advocate for opioid reform at the state level, Dr. Smith has helped write prescribing guidelines for Michigan physicians. He is passionate about identifying disparities in health care and the effect social determinants have on the health of a population, such as economic stability, physical environment, education and access to healthy food.

In Jackson, he has helped develop a Health Improvement Organization which works to define what social factors drive costly care, with the goal of improving the cost of care and therefore the health and well-being of the community.

Inspired by his mother, a nurse, to pursue a career in medicine, Dr. Smith, said, “Because I grew up in Jackson, and went to high school here, it feels like both a personal and professional responsibility to do my best for my community. I want to leave a legacy of excellence.”

After graduating from Grand Valley, Dr. Smith received his medical degree from Wayne State University Medical School. He then completed a three-year residency in emergency medicine at the Grace Hospital/DMC program. During his last year of residency, Dr. Smith was elected by his peers to be the Chief Resident, an experience that inspired him to incorporate the administrative side of medicine in his career.

During Dr. Smith’s career, he has served on the Board of Directors of the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians, and was awarded fellowship in the American College of Emergency Physicians. He has also volunteered at the University of Detroit-Mercy student clinic, supervising PA students and providing medical directorship of their clinic.

About Henry Ford Allegiance Health

Henry Ford Allegiance Health (HFAH) is a 475-bed health system in Jackson, Michigan. HFAH complements traditional acute care services with primary and community-based to support patients across the health continuum at every stage of life. With its Level II Trauma Center, Henry Ford Allegiance Health provides comprehensive care for severely injured patients. As a teaching hospital, Henry Ford Allegiance Health continually looks to the future with its Center for Health Innovation & Education and Graduate Medical Education program. Through its Health Improvement Organization (HIO), HFAH is also a national leader in forming community partnerships that innovatively address wellness and prevention needs across the region.

About Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford Health System is a six-hospital system headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. It is one of the nation’s leading comprehensive, integrated health systems, recognized for clinical excellence and innovation. Henry Ford provides both health insurance and health care delivery, including acute, specialty, primary and preventive care services backed by excellence in research and education. Henry Ford Health System is led by President & CEO Wright Lassiter III. V