Jewel Montgomery Smay, MD, MBA, has built a career at the forefront of pediatric and clinical anesthesiology, where her expertise, leadership and compassion for patients have shaped both clinical practice and health care operations. As founder, president and chief executive officer of Montgomery Anesthesia Service, PC, she has guided the organization with a commitment to excellence in medical care while balancing the demands of business leadership. Her role reflects not only her ability to deliver high-quality anesthesia services but also her talent for creating systems that elevate standards across the field.
Dr. Smay’s academic journey laid the foundation for this work. She earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Duke University before completing her Doctor of Medicine at the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois. She remained at the University of Illinois for her residency in anesthesiology, followed by a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology. Recognizing the importance of combining clinical expertise with business knowledge, she later earned a Master of Business Administration in health sector management from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.
Dr. Smay’s academic journey laid the foundation for this work. She earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Duke University before completing her Doctor of Medicine at the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois. She remained at the University of Illinois for her residency in anesthesiology, followed by a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology. Recognizing the importance of combining clinical expertise with business knowledge, she later earned a Master of Business Administration in health sector management from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.
Dr. Smay’s contributions have been acknowledged through honors such as the One Team Award from NorthStar Anesthesia, which recognizes teamwork and innovation. This recognition affirms her reputation as a leader who blends compassion with operational skill. Yet she remains grounded in her philosophy of patient-centered care, emphasizing vigilance, empathy and dedication to those she serves.
Prior to her leadership at Montgomery Anesthesia Service, Dr. Smay held several key roles that highlight her ability to manage operations on a regional and institutional scale. As regional medical director for NorthStar Anesthesia, she oversaw clinical operations spanning multiple states, bringing efficiency and consistency to a large network of providers. She was also a medical director within NorthStar, where she refined her approach to balancing administrative responsibilities with direct patient care. In addition, she has worked as a pediatric anesthesiologist at major health care systems and held an appointment as an assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, playing a vital role in educating the next generation of physicians.
Professional affiliations further underscore Dr. Smay’s influence within the medical community. She serves on the board of advisors for Transdermal Solutions, LLC and is an active member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Society for Paediatric Anaesthesiology and the American Board of Anesthesiologists. These memberships reflect her dedication to contributing to the advancement of her field and staying engaged with emerging developments in anesthesiology.
Dr. Smay’s commitment to growth is evident through additional certifications and training. She is board-certified in anesthesiology and pediatric anesthesiology, and she completed the Black Corporate Board Readiness Program, positioning her for leadership at the highest levels of health care and beyond. These achievements highlight her readiness to expand her influence on corporate governance and organizational leadership.
Dr. Smay envisions expanding her impact through operating leadership or c-suite roles in major health care organizations and by serving on the board of a Fortune 500 corporation. She is passionate about advancing quality health care for underserved populations worldwide while continuing to support her family and community. She hopes her legacy will be defined by the trust and care she extends to each patient, treating every individual as though they were family.