NATCHEZ — Primary care physician Barbara E. Smith has joined the medical staff of Merit Health Natchez.

Dr. Smith is a Mississippi native and is happy to be returning to her state after being in Tennessee for the past several years.

A graduate of Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Smith received her doctorate of medicine in 1989 from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

She completed her family medicine internship and residency at the University of Tennessee — St. Francis Hospital in Memphis.

Smith is board certified in family medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review.

Smith’s office will be located at Merit Health Medical Group Primary Care at 315 John R. Junkin Drive.

Her practice will cover infants’ ages 2 weeks old, as well as children, teens and adults. Dr. Smith has a great interest in preventative medicine, encouraging a healthy lifestyle to all of her patients. She has worked extensively with diabetes management as well as cardiovascular health.

Smith is pleased to be returning to her home state of Mississippi.

“I have family in and around the Hattiesburg area, and I knew I wanted to be in southern Mississippi,” said Dr. Smith. “After visiting Natchez, I fell in love with the location, the river, small boutiques and exquisite dining options that are available. I look forward to building my practice and becoming a part of this charming community.”

Merit Health Natchez Chief Executive Officer Eric Robinson said the hospital is extremely pleased to add Dr. Smith to its medical staff.

“Based on her familiarity with our state and some of the common health conditions that plague Mississippians, as well as her desire to settle into our community and help her patients with preventive medicine, make Dr. Smith a great addition to our medical staff,” Robinson said.

Smith will maintain office hours Monday-Friday and will be accepting new patients beginning March 8.

Her office phone number is 601-445-1715.