Get to Know Kristofer L. Smith, MD MPP

Board Director
Prospero Health

As Chief Clinical Officer of Prospero Health, Dr. Smith leads the organization’s efforts to establish a high quality and clinically effective home-based medical care model for patients with serious illness. He oversees clinical model design, as well as quality of care standards and clinical improvement activities. He also leads the provider and strategic relationship group works to create partnerships that will improve enrollment effectiveness.

His most recent prior role was President of naviHealth’s Home-based Medical Care division, where he oversaw the build, deployment, operations and strategy for a home-based offering to frail elderly patients. Dr. Smith was also the SVP of Population Health at Northwell Health. He provided population health strategic leadership and oversaw all care management activities. He also served as the medical director for Post-Acute Care Services and Chief Medical Officer for Northwell’s insurance offering.

He has published papers on advanced care models for the frail elderly and has been a co-investigator on grants investigating the outcomes of high- intensity primary care programs. He regularly gives national talks on health policy, the frail elderly and the intersection of payment reform and clinical redesign. Additionally, he has worked with associations such as the American College of Physicians, Center to Advance Palliative Care, the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care and the American Academy of Home Care Medicine.

Dr. Smith graduated with a degree in sociology from Princeton University and a Master of Public Policy in health policy from Harvard University. He received his Medical Degree from Boston University School of Medicine and completed a residency and chief residency in Internal Medicine at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Smith is board certified in Internal Medicine as well as Hospice and Palliative care. His clinical work has always been as a house calls provider.

What attracted you to the field of home care medicine?

I was fortunate to be introduced to exceptional home care medicine leaders early in my career. Jeremy Boal, Theresa Soriano, Linda DeCherrie. The work was clearly meaningful and impactful and those who were in the field were exceptional leaders and clinicians. I did and still do feel fortunate to be able to take care of patients in need in a community of dedicated clinicians.

How has working in this field impacted your practice? What keeps you in the field?

My practice since finishing residency a decade ago has only been in home care medicine. I have learned so much about understanding patient’s goals and figuring out how to support them in their journey. I enjoy the challenge and independence of practicing without the safety net of sub specialists and advanced diagnostics. I love the variety of clinical scenarios. I love my team of doctors, nurse practitioners, social workers and nurses who contribute to the care of my patients and families. I love the fact that my highest goal is to keep patients safely and comfortably at home.

Why AAHCM? What drives your involvement?

Almost 15 years ago I was working on a Masters thesis in health policy. I was fortunate to work on one of the early efforts around quality metrics in home-based medicine. In leading a consensus project, I was fortunate to work with some of our fields luminaries, Peter Boling, Tom Cornwall, Eric DeJonge. It was clear that these and other individuals were the best medicine had to offer; committed, passionate, smart, and patient centered. Over the years I have continued to meet wonderful leaders at the academy and continue to resonate with the mission to bring this model of care to a larger number of patients and families in need.

How did you start? What advice can you offer to a person considering volunteering with AAHCM?

I would offer to members that volunteering with this organization brings together wonderful clinicians and administrators dedicated to doing good and that as a volunteer for the Academy brings one into this fellowship. I was asked by AAHCM leaders I knew and respected to become part of this fellowship and I am very happy I took the plunge.

To learn more about getting involved with the AAHCM, please email us at [email protected].