Mary Leann Smith, MD

I treat cancer patients with radiation, which is a type of photon energy that can often help patients become cancer-free. This treatment can also decrease pain or harm to your body caused by the growth of a tumor and provide you with a better quality of life. I have the opportunity to be part of my patients' lives during a time when they are anxious, hurting, and scared about their diagnosis, and I provide them hope, insight, and direction. I strive to include the patient and their family in designing a course of treatment. Before delivering treatment to each patient, I involve input from the entire Duke Health team of specialists in my decision-making. I believe that the patient is the captain of their ship and ultimately is the one who makes the treatment decisions. I provide my expertise in offering a detailed treatment course recommendation, and I respect all treatment decisions made by my patient. My goal is to provide you with a cancer-free and quality life. My greatest joy is seeing my patients smile when I am able to tell them they are cancer-free.