Anna Smith, M.P.A.S., PA-C

Biography

Anna Smith, M.P.A.S., PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant with more than 15 years of advanced clinical experience in general and bariatric surgery, neurosurgery, multimodal spine care, and interventional pain management. She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from UT Southwestern in 2010 and is known for her precision, empathy and excellence in complex pain care.

At UT Southwestern’s Multidisciplinary Pain Clinic, Ms. Smith provides specialized, multimodal care for patients with chronic spine, headache, neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain, as well as other complex conditions that affect quality of life. Her expertise includes advanced imaging interpretation, procedural planning, medication management and functional rehabilitation — helping patients regain mobility and confidence. Ms. Smith routinely performs in-clinic procedures such as trigger-point and joint injections, and works closely with physician colleagues to guide patients through personalized, evidence-based treatment plans. She leads patient education initiatives to empower individuals to take an active role in their care and make informed decisions about interventional procedures when appropriate.

Before joining UT Southwestern, Ms. Smith practiced extensively in neurosurgery and spine medicine, managing complex brain and spinal conditions requiring surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation. This experience allows her to integrate surgical insight into non-surgical pain management, providing continuity across the full spectrum of patient care.

In addition to her clinical practice, Ms. Smith is a published author, educator and advocate for women’s health, medical ethics and provider well-being. She lectures and precepts PA and medical students, supporting the next generation of clinicians with a focus on integrity, resilience and compassionate leadership. Outside of medicine, Ms. Smith is an avid traveler who has visited more than 50 countries, finding inspiration — and great food — in the cultures, people and stories she encounters around the world.