Welcome to Stewart Memorial Dr. Reed Smith

Reed Smith, DPM, joins Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics this July, bringing a combination of advanced surgical training, a passion for rural healthcare, and a story that comes full circle.

Raised in Carroll, Iowa, Dr. Smith grew up understanding the importance of community and connection. His interest in medicine was shaped early on by watching his father, Dr. Josh Smith, serve patients as a general surgeon, an experience that helped guide his path into healthcare. That path eventually led him to podiatry, where he found a unique balance between clinical care and surgical treatment. During his training, he became especially drawn to the meaningful impact that foot and ankle health has on a patient’s quality of life and the ability to restore mobility and reduce pain.

Dr. Smith completed his surgical residency at AdventHealth East Orlando, where he trained in a high volume, diverse environment. His experience includes reconstructive surgery, trauma, wound care, and limb salvage. He looks forward to bringing that comprehensive training to a rural setting where access to specialty care can be limited.

At Stewart Memorial, Dr. Smith will provide podiatry care independently while also working alongside his father in the wound care clinic. Together they will treat patients with wounds below the knee, creating a collaborative approach that strengthens care for the region.

“It is an honor to be working alongside my father within the wound care clinic team,” Dr. Smith said. “There is a strong foundation of professional respect, and I believe our collaboration will help provide high-quality, comprehensive care.”

For his father, the opportunity is both meaningful and impactful for the community.

“Working with my son, Reed, will be a great and unique experience for me,” said Dr. Josh Smith. “His experience and knowledge will be a great asset to our community.”

Together, their partnership brings both experience and new perspectives to patient care, helping ensure more consistent and coordinated services for those needing podiatry and wound care.

Dr. Smith is especially passionate about patient education and early intervention. He encourages patients not to delay care, even for concerns that may seem minor, and emphasizes the importance of specialized treatment for conditions like diabetic foot wounds.

“My philosophy on patient care begins with an emphasis on education, communication, shared decision-making, and collaboration,” Dr. Smith said. “I believe patients achieve the best outcomes when they understand their condition and are actively involved in their treatment plan.”

Outside of medicine, Dr. Smith enjoys working out, golfing, and spending time with family. As he begins this next chapter, he looks forward to building relationships and expanding access to high-quality care close to home.

With Dr. Smith’s arrival, Stewart Memorial continues to strengthen its commitment to providing compassionate, specialized care while meeting the growing needs of the communities it serves.

Signs Your Wound Needs Medical Care

Most minor cuts, scrapes, and injuries begin to heal within a few days and continue improving over the next couple of weeks. However, some wounds can become complicated or infected and may need medical attention. Knowing what to watch for can help you prevent more serious issues and support proper healing.

A wound that hasn’t healed after 2–4 weeks

If a wound is not showing clear signs of healing after about 2 to 4 weeks, it may indicate an underlying issue. This could include poor circulation, infection, or another condition that is slowing the body’s natural healing process. Chronic wounds should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the cause and the best treatment plan.

Increasing pain, redness, or swelling

Some mild discomfort is normal at first, but pain that worsens over time is a warning sign. Increasing redness or swelling around the wound may indicate inflammation or infection. If these symptoms are getting worse instead of better, it’s important to have the wound checked.

Drainage or odor from the wound

A small amount of clear fluid can be part of normal healing, but thick, yellow, green, or cloudy drainage is not. A foul smell coming from the wound is also a concern. These signs often point to infection and should be evaluated promptly.

Skin around the wound becoming warm or discolored

Healthy healing tissue should gradually improve in appearance. If the skin around the wound becomes noticeably warm, darkened, or discolored, it may be a sign of infection or reduced blood flow to the area. These changes should not be ignored.

Fever or signs of infection

A fever, chills, or feeling unwell along with a wound can indicate that an infection is spreading beyond the local area. This can become serious quickly and requires medical care.

When to seek care

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important not to wait. Early treatment can prevent complications and support faster healing.

If you’re concerned about a wound or slow healing, reach out to a healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule a wound care appointment in Lake City, call the Stewart Memorial Outpatient Specialty Center at

Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Receives Dual Recognition with Clinical Distinction and Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Awards

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce that its Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic has received dual recognition, earning both the Clinical Distinction Award and the Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award from RestorixHealth. These prestigious awards acknowledge wound centers that meet or exceed national quality benchmarks over a set period of time.

The Clinical Distinction Award recognizes wound care centers that have demonstrated exceptional success by surpassing clinical benchmarks, while the Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award honors centers that deliver superior performance in overall patient satisfaction.

“The Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic is pleased to be recognized for our dedication not only to healing but also to patient satisfaction,” said Josh Smith, DO, Medical Director of the Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic. “We are proud to be a recipient of an award that recognizes the work of our staff as both a health care team and patient champions.”

The Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic is committed to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in patients with non-healing wounds. By integrating traditional and advanced therapies, the clinic accelerates the healing process and provides the best possible care for patients dealing with chronic wounds.

With a team of clinicians specially trained in wound care, the clinic ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs. Advanced wound care techniques and a team-based approach are key to providing the most effective treatment for even the most challenging wounds.

Located at 1301 W Main Street in Lake City, Iowa, the Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic is open on Tuesdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For more information, please call 712-464-7299.