Lucia Rojas Smith

Lucia Rojas Smith is a senior evaluation scientist whose research focuses on social determinants of health, population health, health care access, and the cost of care. Working with federal and private clients, she conducts research that benefits patients throughout the United States.

Currently, Dr. Rojas Smith directs an evaluation of Accountable Health Communities Model. The project, funded by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, seeks to evaluate whether addressing health-related-social needs reduces healthcare costs and improves healthcare utilization. Her previous projects have involved response to pandemics and public health threats, chronic conditions such as asthma and sickle cell disease, among other topics.

Dr. Rojas Smith also has experience in public health administration at the state level. Before joining RTI in 2000, she served as deputy director of the Oklahoma Area Health Education Center, helping increase primary care in rural areas by recruiting and retaining providers and enhancing training and education.