George C. Smith Sr, MD, who has practiced medicine in the small community of Lineville for over 50 years, recently received national recognition when the Federation of State Medical Boards honored him with the John H. Clark, MD Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership and contributions to advancing the public good at the state medical board level.

"I'm honored," Smith said. "It was very much a surprise. I didn't know I was nominated."

Medicine is a family affair for the Smiths. Smith and his son, Buddy Smith Jr, MD, work together at the Clay County Medical Clinics. When Smith Jr's daughter, Ashley, receives her medical degree, she will join the clinic later this fall.

"That's special and I'm so proud," Smith said. "Three generations of doctors; that's pretty rare."

As a past member and chairman of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Censors of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and through his current service on the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama and the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission, Smith has worked selflessly to ensure the welfare of patients.

In 2011 Dr. Smith received the Paul W. Burleson Award from the Medical Association in recognition of a medical career encompassing not only high ethical and professional standards in patient care, but also extraordinary service to physician organizations. His exceptional work has been recognized by his induction into the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame in 2014, and by the naming of the Clay County Public Health building in his honor. Smith has been a member of the Clay County Medical Society and the Medical Association since 1966.