Jerod C. Smith is from New Kensington, PA. He graduated from Saint Joseph High School as President of his class in 2004. He attended Duquesne University for his bachelor of science in Nursing. At Duquesne University he worked with surrounding low socioeconomic communities to provide preventive health screenings and teaching.                           

                       After graduating from Duquesne he started working in a Neuro-Trauma ICU at UPMC Presbyterian. He managed care for critically ill traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. He collaborated with physicians, nurses, critical care and research teams. He educated patients and their families about all aspects of their care in the hospital setting and preventative measures outside the hospital setting. He supported fellow nurses to create strong universal structure in the critical care setting. He also provided assessment of patient’s status to attending and resident physicians during morning rounds.

                     While working the weekends in ICU, he began  his new journey as a certified registered nurse practitioner with specialty in adult gerontology and acute care at the University of Pittsburgh.

                    After graduating in 2014, he began working with Dr. Raymond Sekula Jr, Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, Director Cranial Nerve Disorders Program. He developed first Assist experience in microvascular decompressions, anterior cervical discectomy and fusions, laminectomies, tumor resections and ventricular peritoneal shunt revisions.

                    He continued his focus with neurosurgery at Allegheny Health Network where he provided Deep Brain Stimulation Programming for patients with essential tremors, dystonia and Parkinson disease. He traveled to Costa Mesa, CA to participate in Medtronic sponsored deep brain stimulation course.

                    Jerod was then given an opportunity to take a lead advanced practice role at UPMC Mercy were he developed structured polices for rotating APP schedules to include OR, clinic and in-patient coverage. 

                  A new opportunity arose and he was asked to assist in reestablishing a strong Vascular Surgery Department at Excel Health in Greensburg, PA. Jerod currently assists with carotid endarterectomies, lower extremity revascularizations including bypass with PTFE and vein. Endovascular aneurysm repair, arteriovenous fistula creation, Sclerotherapy, Radio-frequency ablation, stab phlebectomies and amputations. In addition, he has developed his own vein clinic which has IAC vein accreditation for the facility.

                 He is Chairman of the Advanced Practice Provider Council at Excela Health system. Jerod is a strong advocate for the value of advance practice providers in the area. He is also available to shadow students interested in healthcare by request. Jerod also covers weekend shifts at a skilled nursing facility in Monroeville, PA.

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