Alumni Profile
Carissa Baker-Smith
MPH Class of 2008
Pediatric Cardiologist, University of Maryland School of Medicine
MPH, Biostatistics, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2008
Resident, Pediatrics, Duke University, 2006
MD, University of Pennsylvania, 2003
MS, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of
Pennsylvania, 2000
BS, Mathematics, Howard University, 1997
One of today's most pressing health concerns is the rise
of childhood obesity. But UNC Biostatistics graduate and
current University of Maryland Assistant Professor in
Pediatric Cardiology Carissa Baker-Smith is fighting this
epidemic. In 2011, Baker-Smith’s research for the
Childhood Obesity and Cardiovascular Health (COACH)
Initiative at the University of Maryland Medical Center garnered her a Ronald McDonald
House Charity Award.
For Baker-Smith, working to improve children’s heart health is not only a vital calling, but a
dream job. “My education in Biostatistics at UNC has given me the opportunity to do what I
love,” she declares. “I am passionate about taking care of children with congenital heart disease
and bringing new and indispensable knowledge to the field of pediatric cardiology.”
Baker-Smith cherishes her memories of her time at Chapel Hill—and also cherishes the
instruction that she received at UNC. “My professors were excellent,” she says. “I consult
their notes to this day.” Her UNC degree has opened many doors, she believes. “People
respect the UNC biostatistics program. They know that it is a rigorous program and that
graduates leave well trained. Other physicians and physician scientists are always impressed
when they find out that I have a MPH in Biostatistics from UNC.”
“Work hard, and be persistent,” she advises aspiring biostatisticians. “It will pay off.”