LESLIE DAVENPORT, MFT
Institute for Health and Healing, MGH and NCH
ALISON SMITH, MD
North Bay Surgical Group

As a co-founder of the North Bay Surgical Group, Dr. Alison Smith has earned a reputation as a talented and respected surgeon. But it's the little things she does to reassure her patients during a difficult time that make her such a special healer.

Dr. Smith provides an environment that is welcoming, caring and compassionate for her patients. She goes the extra mile to make sure her patients have the best information and the comfort in knowing they are dealing with a friend. This includes ending her patient visits with a hug. As Dr. Smith says, "Everyone can use a hug."

Her commitment to understanding what is causing Marin's high breast cancer rate led to her involvement in the Breast Cancer Tumor Board, a weekly meeting of doctors and surgeons to discuss each new breast cancer case. As Olie Mathieson said in nominating Dr. Smith, "She took the fear out of what I was about to go through. She cared and was compassionate enough to go out of her way to be sure I had the right information."

There are many things that make Dr. Smith a special person. And the women and families in Marin who've dealt with her all agree. She is one of the best.