08/27/2026
An open letter to my family on Physician Family Day:
While I love my role as a physician and physician leader, my greatest joy is being a mother and a wife. You give me the drive to leave this world better for each of you and those you love. You keep my troubles in perspective, and you push me to keep striving to be my best.
To my husband, who has supported me since sophomore year of college: while chasing your own goals, you stood beside me through every step of becoming a wife, mother, physician, and physician leader. You supported me as a mother through medical school and residency, even knowing the sacrifices it would ask of you. When my vision grew cloudy, buried in textbooks, exams, and endless rotations, you always helped me lift my eyes back up to the bigger picture. Thank you.
To my children, thank you for understanding the times I can't be there, because I'm caring for patients who need me too. The four of you are my world. My heart is always with you — even as I watch the clock at the start of a meet, a game, or a play I can't attend. As you grow, I hope you understand the "why" behind what I do — that the road to a career you love may be long, but the journey is worth enjoying, and you never have to choose between loving your family and holding onto your passion. You can do both.
To my family, you are my "why." Campfires, sunsets on the beach, church on Sunday, and movie nights curled up together — these are what recharge me most. You humble me, and you remind me to stay present, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. Every meal, every bedtime story, every hand-painted card, every hug refuels me and lets me carry your love out into the world.
There are real sacrifices that come with being the family of a physician — missed moments, long hours, time we can't get back. But within each sacrifice lives a great love, one that binds our family together and makes it all worth it.
— Dr. Claire Smith, Hospitalist and Regional Medical Officer
