Posted on September 4, 2018 in Provider of the Month
Written by Dr. Burri
We are proud of our providers and all the fantastic work they do in our community. Throughout 2018, we’ll continue to feature interviews starting from our newest provider about life outside of the office.
Courtney Smith, PA-C is our September 2018 Provider of the Month. Courtney has been with SERO Group since October 2017 and cares for patients at CaroMont Regional Medical Center.
I was born and raised in Asheboro, NC, where my parents still reside. My older brother and niece (Maddie, 4 years old) live in Belmont, NC. We love getting together for dinners, sporting events, concerts, and vacations. I have an amazing family!
When I’m away from work , I love to cook, travel, try new things, play sports, and try out new restaurants in the area. I am starting to take golf lessons next week. And I love trying out new exercise classes with my co-workers.
My love for science and the medical field blossomed as I studied biology and chemistry at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC, where I received my undergraduate degree. I gained valuable clinical experience prior to my PA education while working in EMS in my hometown. I then started my PA career at Duke University as a student, and upon graduation, moved to the foothills of NC to work in family medicine. I moved to Charlotte in 2014 and continued to work in family medicine for another 3 years.
After 6 years in that field, I received the opportunity to work in oncology, which had always been an interest for me. I actually transitioned to radiation oncology while my father underwent brachytherapy for prostate cancer. Little did I know how much I would enjoy radiation oncology, and what a blessing it has been so far! To be able to walk with our patients through a part of their cancer battle while encouraging them and caring for them is an honor. I also cannot say enough about the wonderful physicians and staff with whom I work alongside each day. Their knowledge and compassion are a daily inspiration for me.
I really enjoy educating my patients and the community, especially regarding disease prevention and healthy lifestyles. I was recently asked to give skin cancer presentations around Gastonia as part of employee health programs.
My first presentation was to the Gaston County Housing Authority employees in April. I then gave two presentations to the City of Gastonia employees, followed by a presentation to CaroMont Health and Fitness Center members, all in June. Each presentation explained what skin cancer is, types of skin cancer and risk factors for it, sun safety and other skin cancer prevention techniques, ways to identify abnormal skin lesions, the importance of regular skin checks, and treatment options for skin cancer. I have also begun doing skin biopsies for our patients at the CaroMont Cancer Center in Gastonia, NC.
