Recommended Doctor
Linda Marie SMILEY MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology - Tennessee Memphis

Dr. Smiley is an oncological GYN. She did a radical hysterectomy on me in the autumn of 2012, removing a tumor the approximate size of a cantaloupe out of my abdomen.

In addition to having endometrial cancer, I also have diabetes, high blood pressure -- and am a high functioning autistic. This latter can sometimes cause more problems than all the rest of my problems combined -- especially when my brain circuits get overloaded and I begin to have trouble communicating. This is an even bigger problem because I am actually a very intelligent person with an above average ability to communicate IN WRITING, but in person, I often look like I'm retarded.

Dr. Smiley and her nurse both handle the special problems that my autism present with both professionalism and compassion.

I am overwhelmed easily in a busy environment, so she arranges it so that I can be her last appointment of the day, when she has a little more time to go slowly and quietly with me.

One time when I was having more problems than usual, she even offered to get me a computer tablet to help me communicate, but I just wanted to take it slowly and communicate orally like other people. So she took the time to listen to me as I slowly, painsakingly, organized my thoughts and pushed out the words I needed to say.

She accepts me for who I am, and treats me with respect despite the oral communication problems and occasional outbursts that I sometimes have when my brain circuits get overloaded.

One other thing, I was active on Hystersisters through the entire hysterectomy journey, from the pre-op forum, through the post-op forum, and onto the cancer forum. I would read about the problems that other ladies who had surgery like mine had.

But I never had any of the problems that seemed to be so common among the other ladies posting their experiences.

I think that was probably because of Dr. Smiley's skill as a surgeon. I guess it is the one (and probably ONLY) good thing about having cancer -- oncological GYNs have alot more experience doing hysterectomies than the regular GYNs, and they tend to be more skilled as a result.

Or maybe it was just that Dr. Smiley, herself, was so highly skilled.

At any rate, I had about as good an experience as anybody could possible have when having their stomach cut open and having a huge tumor taken out along with the uterus.

I would definitely recommend Dr. Smiley to others.

Dr. Smiley is very sweet, compassionate, friendly, and has concern for her patients and their families. She always asks how my girls are doing when I have an appointment with her, and remembers that my oldest daughter has a medical condition herself and wants to know how she is doing.
She performed the removal of my ovarian cancer cells. After the surgery was over, she went to my room to talk to my husband and my two girls, but they were not in the room. So, she searched for them, and found them in the cafeteria. I have never heard of a doctor being that caring and courteous!
She is easy to talk to about your concerns, and she answers any questions you might have in a way that the average person understands (not just a lot of medical talk).
Her nurses are also very sweet - just like her. Dr. Smiley and her nurses always make an unpleasant experience pleasant.

I am anticipating my second surgery with Dr. Smiley. I highly recommend Dr. Smiley as well as her entire staff. She is attentive and offers clear explanation of what is going on. She provides support as well as prompt service. Last year, she was the assisting doctor. While I was in recovery, she spent the time telling my family what happened. She also came to check on me the next morning. My actual OB/GYN did not follow up with me or my family until day 3 of my hospital stay as I was being discharged by a different doctor. At the first mention of a similar issue, I immediately called Dr. Smiley's office to follow up with her. I find that her advice is trustworthy.

Dr. Linda Smiley is an OB/GYN Oncologist at the West Clinic in Memphis,TN. I have been under her care for almost 3 years for a Stage 1A Boderline Ovarian Tumor. I was referred to Dr. Smiley for a sugical consult by my regular OB/GYN and received an appointment within days. I have never been as impressed with a medical group as I was on my first visit at the West Clinic. All procedures are performed at the Clinic. They do lab, CT Scans, Chemo, etc so you are not going to several places for services and then back to the Dr. Every employee from the front desk, lab personnel, x-ray, nurses is professional and compassionate. They even have volunteers that offer you drinks and snacks while you are in the waiting room! Dr. Smiley is very patient, talks to you in terms you can understand and answers your questions without rushing you out the door. Phone calls to her office are returned within the hour.