Healing begins long before a diagnosis, it starts with feeling seen, heard, and cared for. Pediatrician, mentor, and health equity advocate Dr. Tyler Smith shares a heartfelt conversation about caring for children, supporting families, and leading with purpose. From discovering her passion for pediatrics at a young age to mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders, Dr. Tyler reflects the importance of representation, mental health, community, and whole-person care. This episode is a reminder that healing goes beyond medicine. It begins with listening, compassion, advocacy, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and valued.

Key Takeaways:

Your "why" helps you stay grounded, prevent burnout, and reconnect with purpose.

Healthy children thrive when families, communities, and healthcare providers work together.

Mental health conversations should begin with listening, validating, and checking in consistently.

Representation and advocacy in healthcare matter for trust, safety, and better outcomes.

Small moments of connection, joy, and mentorship can create generational impact.

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About Dr. Tyler Smith:

Tyler K. Smith, MD, MPH, FAAP is a board-certified general pediatrician. She is a graduate of Hampton University and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Smith completed General Pediatric Residency training at the University of Maryland Medical Center. She also completed General Academic Pediatric Fellowship training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where she earned a Master's degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her professional interests include advocacy, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice; health care disparities and inequities; marginalized and minoritized populations; resource-limited communities; mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship; medical education; leadership; and physician wellness. Dr. Smith currently serves as Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence in the Office of the Learning Environment and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She is the Fellowship Director for the Academic General Pediatrics Fellowship Program at Children's Mercy Kansas City.

Connect with Dr. Tyler Smith at: https://www.childrensmercy.org/professional-education/training-programs/fellowship/academic-general-pediatrics/

https://med.umkc.edu/departments/administrative-offices-departments/ole/inclusive-excellence/

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com

hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts

https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco

https://www.youtube.com/@smallchangesbigshiftsco

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