Elizabeth Smiley, PAC

Elizabeth Smiley is a nationally certified physician assistant with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Primary Care. She cares for patients of all ages and brings a clinical background in orthopedic surgery, with special interests in diabetes education and management, orthopedic conditions and hypertension care.

Her clinical interests and services include:

• Diabetes treatment and education
• Hypertension management
• Orthopedic condition management, including joint injections
• Chronic disease management
• Preventive care and wellness

Elizabeth grew up in Charleston and has always felt a strong connection to this community. Before pursuing medicine, she spent summers lifeguarding and tutoring local students. These early experiences that shaped her belief that caring for others means sharing knowledge, not just providing treatment. That philosophy carried her through two graduate degrees at Clemson University and ultimately to Charleston Southern University, where she earned her physician assistant degree.

She also volunteers as a primary care PA at a local free clinic, working alongside translators to serve patients whose primary language is not English. It is the kind of work that reflects what she believes medicine should be: accessible, mission-driven and rooted in the community where she was raised.

Elizabeth believes in empowering patients to understand their health and take an active role in managing it through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication when needed. For her, the best part of the work is hearing each patient's story and learning what makes them who they are.

Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences and a Master of Science in environmental engineering and science from Clemson University, and her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Charleston Southern University. She is board certified by the NCCPA and licensed by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.

Outside of work, Elizabeth loves beachcombing and shelling, reading and traveling. She has visited England, Scotland and Italy in recent years. In the fall, she is an avid Clemson football fan and attends most home games. She also enjoys home projects alongside her husband, a local craftsman specializing in plaster and masonry restoration.

Elizabeth Smiley, PA-C is part of Dr. Ashleigh Zacarias' care team.