Episode 8. Honestly... Dr. Aniika Jackson-Smith

"Honestly..." is a new segment of our podcast "Confessions of Melanated Docs". Here we talk with other Melanated Docs about life, work, wellness, current events and more. This week our  Melanated Docs Spotlight is on  Dr. Aniika Jackson-Smith. Dr. Aniika Jackson-Smith is a native of New Orleans, LA.  She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1999.  In the years following graduation, she taught 7th grade science at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in New Orleans.  In the fall of 2002 Dr. Jackson matriculated at Creighton University Medical Center School of Dentistry in Omaha, NE.  She completed her studies at Creighton in 2006 earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree.  Upon graduation, she entered into a General Practice Residency at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry.  Dr. Jackson was among some of the first healthcare providers to return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.  Thus, providing a much needed service to the citizens returning to rebuild the city.   In 2008 Dr. Jackson-Smith relocated to Kansas City.  She enjoys treating patients and doing community outreach.  She is committed to providing quality care to underserved, underinsured and uninsured individuals.  As such, the majority of her 15 year career has been spent working in Federally Qualified Health Centers or similar institutions.  Over the years, she has mentored countless aspiring dental and medical professionals. You are also very likely to find her in school classrooms introducing students students to the dental profession and promoting HBCU's. She loves talking to youth about her profession and her beloved XU! She currently serves at Deputy Dental Director at one of the largest health centers in Missouri. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who is passionate about improving the health outcomes of African-American infants and moms through breastfeeding advocacy and support. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 daughters, crafting and online "window" shopping.  She is the owner of Nia Rae's Fine New Orleans Pecan Candy. She gets home to New Orleans as often as she can! Check out our conversation on our podcast in "Honestly…"!