Dr. Ellawese Smith '78
Dr. Ellawese Y. Smith is a 1978 graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Chemistry. After graduation, she went on to earn her M.D. degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Dr. Smith completed a residency in Anesthesiology at Texas Tech Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas and a fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology at Cooks Fort Worth Children’s Medical Center.
For over thirteen years, she was on the active teaching staff as an Anesthesiologist at John Peter Smith Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas, where she held the position of the first and only African-American female Medical Staff “Chief” President in their 100 year history. For eight years she was the Vice Chairman of the Anesthesiology Department and actively served on multiple hospital committee appointments including the JPS Board of Managers. Currently she is the Director of Anesthesiology at Renaissance Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Dr. Smith is a woman of faith who walks in the divine path prepared by God, having her steps ordered by Him. With a heart of service through wisdom and understanding of His word, she powerfully ministers, in love, God’s awesomeness through the eyes of a medicine woman of God.
Dr. Smith is a frequent lecturer for many local churches, schools and professional organizations. She is also an active member of Christian Outreach Center in Fort Worth with participation on many community service and professional boards, youth mentoring and volunteer organizations. She lives to give and be a blessing as also exemplified in her commitment to excellence in education. She monetarily forwards student education with a rich history of personally financing the college and medical school education of multiple students including two students at The University of Texas at Arlington, one who became a surgeon and the other a teacher.
Dr. Smith has been married to Michael McCowan for ten years. He is currently a Lieutenant in the Fort Worth Police Department with 26 years of service. Their daughter Yvonne is a December 2007 graduate of Texas Christian University and has been accepted into medical school for the fall 2008. Her career aspirations are ophthalmology and scientific research.
She is one of the 2008 recipients for the Outstanding African-Amercan Award from the Alumni Association. Dr. Smith will be honored February 23rd at the African-American Alumni Reception.
