Meghan Smith, M.D.

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Get to know Clinical Researcher Dr. Meghan Smith, who serves patients throughout the State of Texas.

Dr. Smith is a devoted clinical researcher currently serving as the Director of Clinical Research at Capitol Gastro, specializing in the Therapeutic Areas of Immunologically mediated Bowel Disorders, Autoimmune Disorders, and Functional Digestive Disorders.
Capitol Gastro, with two offices in Austin, Texas, as well as offices in Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Dripping Springs, Texas, provides comprehensive gastroenterology and hepatology services for adults throughout central Texas. The board-certified gastroenterologists provide high-quality, patient-centered care paired with strong clinical skills to ensure patients receive the best treatments available.

Pertaining to her educational pursuits, Dr. Smith obtained her Master’s degree in Biotechnology from The Johns Hopkins University in 2008, and graduated with her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences – St. Kitts in 2013. She then went on to complete her Master of Business Administration degree in Health Care Management at Davenport University in 2014, followed by a research fellowship in Solid Tumor Biomarkers, partnering with the Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology at the University of Chicago Medical Center in 2015.

In order to remain up to date in her field, she is an active member of the Medical Science Liaison Society, National Association for Professional Women, American Academy of Medical Students, Medical Science Liaison Society, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Contributor, Dress for Success Career Development Consultant, and Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM)

On a more personal note, Dr. Smith attributes her success to her tenacity, willingness to fail, and her perpetual sense of curiosity. She sees herself as a student for life, and says that she can never stop learning or teaching.

Clinical research is a field that is constantly advancing, and the results of research help researchers to better understand the complexities of pathogens and develop more effective vaccinations. Many individuals participate in clinical trials as volunteers, but the qualifications needed to work as a clinical researcher are more demanding.

Clinical researchers carry out clinical trials, recruit and screen patients, maintain patient care and submit findings when the trial is complete. They must ensure that ethical and proper clinical practice is followed with strict rules and regulations.

A career in clinical research usually starts during undergraduate studies with a four-year bachelor’s degree in a field such as biology, mathematics or physics. It is important to have a strong academic record as medical and doctoral programs are highly competitive. After gaining exposure to the field in undergraduate studies, one can then pursue higher level Graduate and Professional degrees in areas such as biological sciences or medicine, including biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, and neuroscience, and biostatistics.

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