Dr. Smith's Care Team | Peninsula Family Med

Meet Our Providers

Jennifer E. Smith, M.D.

Dr. Smith began working at Peninsula Family Medical Center in 2001. She enjoys seeing patients of all ages. “I particularly enjoy the fact that here at Peninsula Family Medical Center, I am able to develop a relationship with my patients and get to know them as individuals. And that together we can work to keep them healthy, active and able to do the things that are important to them."
She graduated from the University Of Washington School Of Medicine in 1997. She completed her Family Practice residency training at the Tacoma Family Medicine in 2001. She is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Washington Academy of Family Physicians, Northwest Physicians Network and the Pierce County Medical Society. She enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, studying Spanish, and playing pickle ball.

Christie Heany, PA-C

Christie completed her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at A.T Still University in Mesa, AZ. She served in the National Health Service Corps as a PA-C at a local community health center before working for several years at Fircrest Family Medicine. Christie is married with two children. She enjoys gardening, playing sports, enjoying the outdoors and travel.

Buena Sumilhig, PA-C

Buena is a board-certified Physician Assistant who earned her Master of Clinical Health Services in 2025 from the University of Washington MEDEX Northwest program. Before becoming a PA, she worked for several years at Peninsula Family Medical Center as a medical scribe. During that time, she fell in love with the clinic and its patient population, learning the importance of listening, clear communication, and understanding each patient’s unique needs. Returning to PFMC as a PA-C is a meaningful full-circle moment for Buena, and she is grateful to care for a community she already knows and deeply values.

Buena is passionate about improving health literacy and making medical information easy to understand. She believes patients feel empowered when they are informed and involved in their care. Her approach centers on prevention, education, and teamwork to help patients feel supported in every decision.

Outside of medicine, Buena enjoys traveling with her boyfriend, trying new recipes, spending time with her big family, and photography.