Daniel L. Smith, M.D.

Dr. Dan Smith was born on August 5, 1940, at Porter Hospital in Denver, Colorado, to Weibo and Ann Smith, parents whose faith deeply shaped his life. He attended Denver Christian Schools for 12 years and went on to graduate from Calvin College. He earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 1966.

After marrying Betty Ella Brandt, a physical therapist, Dr. Smith completed an internship at the United States Naval Hospital in San Diego, followed by flight surgeon training in Pensacola, Florida. He and Betty served in the U.S. Navy for an additional two and a half years before returning to Denver, where he completed a four-year general surgery residency. He then pursued a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of California. During this time, the couple was blessed with two daughters.

Dr. Smith began his private cardiothoracic surgery practice in Denver in 1976, initially downtown and later relocating to South Denver in 1987. By the mid-1990s, after achieving professional success, he felt called to reexamine his life’s purpose. In 1996, he began exploring opportunities in medical missions and soon connected with Dr. Mark Sheehan. In 2000, they traveled to Cambodia at the invitation of Pastor Setan Lee and Mr. Jim Groen. There, they met Dr. Kendrick Kahler, who was launching a medical clinic to serve Cambodia’s poor following the devastation of the Khmer Rouge regime.

That encounter marked the beginning of Dr. Smith’s long-term commitment to Cambodia. For over 25 years, he has led and participated in mission teams that provide specialized medical care, teach local healthcare professionals, and share the Gospel. His dedication continues to shape the work and vision of Jeremiah’s Hope.