From Life to Lessons: Ava Smith's Path in Psychiatry

In this episode of The Mindset Matters, psychiatric PAs Mercedes Dodge and Jessica Spissinger interview Ava, a psych PA and clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M, about her transition from emergency psychiatry to outpatient academic practice. She reflects on working across 13 Houston-area hospitals, the lack of continuity in emergency care, and how her mother’s mental illness shaped her path into psychiatry later in life. Ava discusses her current role—primarily adult outpatient care with teaching responsibilities—along with PA advocacy, job-search strategies, and prescribing challenges in Texas. She also shares favorite resources and wellness habits like puzzles and Peloton.