Dr. Renaldas Smidtas, M.D., Board Certified

Dr. Renaldas Smidtas has been positively impacting the health of the citizens in both the Jasper and Live Oak communities for 28 years and has been the only physician practicing in Hamilton County for the last five years. He has upheld is board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine for over 20 years. Currently, he is the Medical Director for Suwannee Valley Nursing Center in Jasper, FL, and works as the main physician in his two rural practices in Live Oak and Jasper, FL. Additionally, he served many years as the Chairman of the Board for the Shands at Live Oak Hospital.

Dr. Smidtas Graduated from one of the oldest Universities in Europe, in Vilnius, Lithuania, where he received both his M.D., and General Surgeon’s degrees. In 1992, he emigrated to the United States to pursue the American Dream with his wife Lina. He first lived in Pennsylvania where he completed his internal medicine residency, was approved for practice in the United States due to his excellent completion of the program, and moved forward to become Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Smidtas moved to North Florida in 1995 and has been caring for the communities of both Suwannee and Hamilton Counties ever since.

Dr. Smidtas enjoys spending time with his four (now adults) kids when everyone can be together: his three daughters Ieva, who works for a private school in Boston, MA, Greta who has become a prosthodontist, and lives in Los Angeles, CA, Laura who is an attorney in Bradenton, FL, and their only son Lukas Smidtas, who is currently studying to become dentist.

Dr. Smidtas also has an incredible positive attitude, a second degree Black-belt in Taekwondo, is avid triathlete who loves to spend his leisure time biking, swimming , running and spending time with his family.

He looks forward to meeting you, and helping you become the best version of you!

Laura Edstrom-Smith, ARNP, FNP-BC

Laura is a caring health care professional with over 20 years of experience in Family Medicine, Primary Care, and Women’s Health, and has been practicing around the state of Florida since 2015. From bigger city hospitals to small rural medical practices, Laura has helped thousands of patients across the state of Florida throughout her professional career.

Laura's healthcare journey commenced in 1997 as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Her educational pursuits led her to attain an Associates of Science in Nursing (ASN) at Edison Community College in Fort Myers, FL, followed by a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL. Driven by a commitment to advanced practice, she furthered her education with a Master of Science in Nursing-FNP degree from South University in Royal Palm Beach, FL, achieving National Board Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner in May 2017 through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Originally from the windy city of Chicago, IL, Laura made the big move to Florida in 1987 to pursue a career as a professional dog groomer. Residing in Columbia County with her husband of over 20 years, Jim Smith, they proudly parent two remarkable adults, Bruce and Kelli. At home, Laura shares her life with 5 Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and a playful Shar-Pei puppy. Beyond her professional commitments, she actively engages with the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America, participating as a show judge and board member.

Aymee Wilson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Aymee is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience providing compassionate care to families in the community. A dedicated healthcare professional, she began her journey in nursing as part of the inaugural registered nurse class at North Florida College in Madison, graduating in 2007. She continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2013, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from South University.

After obtaining her board certification, Aymee began her career as a Family Nurse Practitioner with Palms Medical, where she served patients until 2017. She then expanded her experience by working with a military flight unit in Utah from 2017 to 2018. Upon returning to her hometown in Florida, she provided care through Mercy Medical Urgent Care and Magnolia Adults before joining North Florida Pediatrics. For the past five years, she has been dedicated to treating children and young adults in the community. In addition to her clinical roles, Aymee also owned and operated Suwannee Oaks Medical, which closed in January 2025.

Beyond her professional career, Aymee is a devoted wife and mother of three. She and her husband, George, are active members of Westwood Baptist Church and have opened their home to children as foster parents throughout their marriage. Passionate about community involvement, they have coached Suwannee Recreation soccer and continue to support local events, family, and friends. Aymee’s commitment to both her patients and her community reflects her deep dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those around her.