Dr. Deborah Smith set to retire after nearly 43 years as a Pediatrician

Dr. Deborah Smith announced that she will retire at the end of 2023 after 43 years as a Pediatrician.

Letter Dr. Smith wrote to her patients:

To my patients and their families:

It is with bittersweet emotion that I am writing this letter. After almost 43 years as a Pediatrician, initially at the Street Clinic and Mercy Hospital and then as part of Merit Health River Region Pediatrics, I have decided to retire at the end of December 2023. It has been an extremely difficult decision filled with tears and heartfelt emotion. Taking care of children, from birth until their graduation from high school or having children of their own has been an integral part of my life.

When I decided to move to Vicksburg after completing my pediatric residency at Vanderbilt University, it was to be for only one to two years to upgrade the hospital pediatric and nursery services. Both the Sisters of Mercy and the administration of the Street Clinic were very committed to that process. I did not have family here or know anyone in Vicksburg when I made that decision. In fact many people including my friends in Nashville wondered what I would do outside work- I did not hunt, fish or quilt; however, the Vicksburg community embraced me and my practice. Little did I know that I would have as wide a range of medical and diagnostic challenges as seen in a big city or academic center or that I would be welcomed by an incredible group of people. Many have become my lifelong friends.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family. In many cases I have had the privilege of caring for the second and even the third generation. You have allowed me to be part of the medical care and guidance of the most
important part of your life – your children. I have shared tears, smiles, and laughter with many of you during the moments- big and small that shape all of our lives.

I cannot imagine a better life’s work in spite of the many sleepless nights, extremely difficult medical decisions and gut wrenching illnesses that are part of a pediatrician’s life. However, I have had the great fortune of seeing the joy when a family welcomes a new baby into their lives, seeing a smile when a child feels better after a severe illness, or seeing the pride on a parents face during graduation after a difficult educational process. I have been able to enjoy on a daily basis a young child’s smile after getting a toy from the toy box or candy from my pocket, or even the smile and hug of an “old “patient with a child of his/her own when they see me at the grocery store.

I have also been blessed over the 43 years with excellent nurses and pediatrics support staff. In fact over my nurse’s desk is a sign – “Behind every good doctor is a great nurse.” I echo those thoughts and certainly appreciate the long hours, selfless commitment and dedication of my nurses and the entire pediatric staff.

My goal has always been to be the best pediatrician and child advocate I could. I have tried to treat each patient as I would want any member of my family to be treated.

It has been a true honor and privilege to call Vicksburg home and to take care of each of you!