Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured is Alexis Smith DO, Penn Highlands Healthcare.
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Name: Alexis Smith DO
Position: Radiologist
Organization: Penn Highlands Healthcare
Bio: Alexis Smith, DO resides with her son, Noah, in Youngstown, Ohio and currently works as an attending radiologist for Penn Highlands Healthcare System in Dubois, Pennsylvania. She served as Co-Medical Director of the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center, part of Bon Secour Mercy Health System in Youngstown, Ohio, from 2018 through 2024. Prior to that, Dr. Smith was Director of Breast Imaging at Trinity Health System in Steubenville, Ohio from 2014 to 2017.
Dr. Smith received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics, graduating summa cum laude in 2003 from Washington and Jefferson College prior to entering medicine. A graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Smith completed diagnostic radiology residency at Penn State Hershey Medical Center and fellowship training in women’s imaging at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Magee Womens’ Hospital.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Smith serves on the YWCA Mahoning Valley board, United Returning Citizens board, Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights board, Eastern Ohio Area Health Education Center board, and the Thrive Mahoning Valley board. She is also group leader for Citizens’ Climate Lobby Mahoning Valley, a member of the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown voter services committee, a member of the American Osteopathic College of Radiology’s CME committee, a member of the executive leadership team for the American Heart Association of NEO Go Red for Women campaign, and past president of the Poland Junior Women’s Club.
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What made you want to go into this field?
My mother was a big influence on my choice. She is a retired x-ray and mammography technologist that was the lead tech for the local MammoVan in the 1990s. I would go along on the van to help with patients and developing the films. I thought it was fascinating.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
Persistence despite setbacks…and a good helping of luck.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
Looking to others and not trusting my own expertise and experience to know what is best.
What is the hardest decision you ever had to make in this field?
Changing jobs. It is VERY hard to leave patients and staff who you get to know and care for, but sometimes, you have to take a better opportunity when it comes along.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
I wouldn’t get so lost in reaching my goals and helping others, that I forget to take care of myself. It took me years to realize that I needed to also focus on me to do my work to the best of my ability. Our own mental and physical health is so important.
What inspires you to do good in our community?
I feel like I have a responsibility to the community to give back as much as possible and help others to get the opportunities I had to realize my potential. Taking action instead of just talking about problems has given me hope for the future. Volunteering and advocacy have also helped me to heal.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering in our community?
The people. I get to work with so many talented people who really care about the Mahoning Valley and want to help make it better.
What song best describes you or is the soundtrack to your life?
Halsey – Nightmare and Imagine Dragons – Whatever It Takes are two songs that get me motivated.
What is your best accomplishment/experience in life?
Personally, having my son and traveling the world. Professionally, becoming a physician.
Who is your role model and Why?
My mother. She is kind, smart, decisive, empathic, organized, responsible, adaptable, a hard worker…I could go on. She embodies many of the qualities that I aspire to in my own life.
If there was one person that you would like to meet, past or present and why?
Jesus. I have a lot of questions.
A favorite quote that you live by?
“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live.” – George Bernard Shaw
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