Gerri A. Cannon-Smith, MD, MPH, FAAP has years of experience as a Clinician/Public health practitioner, administrator, PH/Disparity scholar, and Public health faculty. Her Medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical School followed the completion of undergraduate studies at Howard University. Pediatric training was completed at Howard University Hospital and Loma Linda University Children’s Medical Center. She received a Master of Public Health degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and is certified in Public Health.  Caring for underserved populations as a general pediatrician in rural, suburban, and urban communities in Mississippi, Tennessee, California, and Ohio has shaped her practice and research interests. Keenly aware of the impact of social determinants of health, access inequities, and environmental influences, her career has focused on health equity, specifically, as it relates to pediatric health disparities, chronic pediatric conditions (asthma and obesity), and precursors of chronic conditions.

Currently, she serves as a Pediatric Consultant with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) , is involved in community participatory research, and is focused on health/health literacy/health equity promotion as owner of Innovative Health Strategies Active in professional and community organizations, she is a member of the Pediatric Section of the National Medical Association, serves as PROS Coordinator and Public Health Liaison for  AAP-MS Chapter, is past president of Delta SOPHE and serves on (Association of maternal Child Health Programs) AMCHP MCH Innovations Committee. She is the NAACP Health Committee Chair of the local branch and a member of regional/national Advisory Boards and civic organizations. As a pediatrician, her mantra of “Every child should reach her/his optimal potential” has been demonstrated by a commitment to preventive strategies, promotion of health equity, and striving to live out a personal mandate to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly.

Children With Asthma Breathe Easier With Electric School Buses
Dr. Gerri Cannon-Smith | Mississippi Free Press | December 30, 2022