Wendy Smith interview, 2007

Smith, Wendy - Oral History Interview - CSWA ❧ An interview with Dr. Wendy Smith, PhD, as she discusses her social work career in private practice, education, community involvement, and the USC School of Social Work. Interviewer: Phyllis Massing, PhD. Date: 9/25/07. ❧ Wendy Smith. Interviewed by Phyllis Massing. Date of interview: 9-25-07. Length of interview: 46 minutes. DVD containing interview. ❧ CONTENTS: (00:47)- Introduction. (01:22)- Beginnings in social work and influence of early life experience. (04:40)- UCLA MSW vs Berkeley MSW. (05:17)- Social, political, economical snapshot of the country in 1970. (08:19)- Decisions to move from macro to micro work. (10:03)- Challenges faced in career in macro and micro work. (11:40)- Decisions to pursue PhD in social work. (13:00)- Brief discussion of organizational change and obstacles (doctoral work). (15:45)- Joys of teaching. (18:10)- Dislikes of teaching. (19:47)- Decision to retire. (21:42)- Evidence based practice. (25:07)- Community involvement. (27:26)- Involvement with United Friends of the Children and foster youth. (30:05)- Changes in the field of social work in the past 30 years. (33:30)- USC School of Social Work and its students. (35:00)- Religion and Social work. (37:50)- Most gratifying experience in social work. (39:12)- Most successful experience in social work. (39:58)- Regrets. (40:50)- Suggestions to new social workers. (42:00)- Contributions to the USC School of Social Work and students. (43:40)- Future personal involvement in the field. (44:51)- Closing remarks.