Dr. Linda Ann Smith, MD

If you carry any extra weight, do NOT go to Dr. Smith. I am a healthcare professional myself and I have never met someone who is as openly fatphobic as she is. I went to her three days after bilateral breast biopsies for a follow up, and I expressed concern about one of the incisions. She glanced at my breasts, said, "You look like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards!" and yet still did not actually assess my concerns. Later in the appointment, she told me, "Your new goal in life is to get SKINNY. SKINNY SKINNY SKINNY. That alone will save you." I was stunned, I have never been met with such an unprofessional attitude. I immediately made an appointment with my primary care to have my wounds properly examined, and was diagnosed with a hematoma and a skin infection. If I had trusted Dr. Smith, I could have gone septic from ignoring what I knew to be an infection. I am leaving this group and moving to NM Cancer Center. Shame on you.

While we were at MD Anderson, which is in my opinion one of the worst places to go, several friends and colleagues recommended we visit Dr. Smith. This was for a second opinion for my mother, who was in for breast cancer, a second time. The first time we had gone with MD Anderson, never again! Dr. Smith was excellent, she explained everything, did no unnecessary testing, took her time with my mother, and despite that fact that MD Anderson told my mother she needed to have a mastectomy, with other radical chemos, Dr. Smith insured my mother, that she could do a second lumpectomy once the tumor shrank. I would highly recommend her, I did much research, talked to many out of state doctors, and she by far exceeded my expectations and my mother is doing great, she is with the Cancer Center, whose doctors are far better than MD Anderson, and its not all about the money.

I was referred to Dr. Smith and went for an initial consult, during which tests were ordered. Some of these tests are necessary and proper, but I have had a huge frustration with this office. The admin staff have repeatedly said that they never received my labs and other records from my primary despite the fact that she sent them three times. Some of them are tests that Smith ordered separately (not knowing they had already been done) and so I actually called Smith's office and told them I was not going to re-do these tests since they had just been done two days ago and my insurance was not likely to pay for them again - and even if they would pay, there was no reason to cost them that money again. My oncologist requested records from Smith's office repeatedly. They claimed they sent them but in fact they never were sent to my oncologist (i.e., they lied). Happily Oncologist was able to get most of the records from my primary and from our local imaging lab. During my consult, Dr. Smith told me some things about the behavior of breast cancer that my oncologist says were nonsense. When I asked Smith about possible new therapies I had been hearing about she was quick to squash any thought I might have of looking into alternatives. I discussed this with my primary and my oncologist, both of whom were fully supportive of my seeking second opinions, and my oncologist even referred me to MD Anderson for a consult. When Smith's office called me after PET scan results were back, I mentioned to Smith that I was going to MD Anderson for a consult and she tried really hard to talk me out of it, declaring that they really couldn't be trusted and were too "far out there" and not sufficiently mainstream. Really? I've heard they are one of the best breast cancer outfits in the country. This was really a huge red flag for me and I am definitely going to switch surgeons, whether I go out of state or not.

I have been a patient for many years and have always had great care. Yes, her office is busy and can be a bit crazy at times, but if you are given a diagnosis and call her office, you are given an appointment right away. So if I have to wait a few extra minutes because she has so thoughtfully made time in her schedule for a woman in a panic or a crisis, it is something I am willing to deal with because I know that if I needed to see her asap, she will get me in. She really does care about her patients. She doesn't always have the luxury of giving everyone all the time that they feel they need, but she doesn't skip over any clinical business. You are getting the best clinician. If you want a new BFF, look elsewhere. If you are looking for a great doctor, see Dr. Smith!!

I liked nothing about this Dr or her Management staff. Worst experience ever they cancelled pathology appt 1 hour before appt. Poor bedside manner. No pain meds after surgery as if everyone's pain level is the same. Lack of compassion and or empathy. Still nauseous a week after surgery. Couldn't explain because of the last minute cancellation refusing to give me my medical records. I would never recommend anyone to this place or his surgeon for anything you are not a person but a statistic. And you are not a priority.

Dr. Smith does not have a warm, fuzzy bedside manner and if you ask her something that should be directed to another doctor, she doesn't beat around the bush redirecting you. That said, I had cancer. I didn't want warm fuzzies, I wanted prompt, technically competent and up-to-date treatment. Dr. Smith shows her caring for her patients by her incredible dedication to treating breast cancer. I've seen her office described as an "assembly line" - well, yes - I waited 1 day for my initial appointment and I know why she doesn't want to linger and chat - there are way too many women with concerning lumps or known cancer, and she is in a battle against a disease, not just my particular case of it. I felt so well taken care of in so many ways. She spends the time she needs to spend, answers questions like the expert she is, and I never questioned her clinical judgement.

I received prompt skillful surgery and great care from Dr Smith and the office . She is no nonsense save your life care , We are blessed to have her ,

Dr. Smith was not honest about the treatment provided and then falsified her records. Wound up with a disfiguring lumpectomy when all that was required was a single duct removal. She was dismissive. Her staff hadn't read my surgical record, pulled a drainage tube from my chest and sent me back to work less than 2 days following the surgery with no restrictions. Wound up then needing treatment for nerve damage and three weeks long sessions of physical therapy. Ordered lots of tests that were not needed and that she never had any intention of following up on. In later speaking to my women's care specialist, they have noted that many of their referrals to Dr. Smith have commented negatively about her bedside manner. Her care (along with Dr. A. Miller at Breast Imaging Center) has directly resulted in my refusal to have another mammogram. She is known for her radical/severe treatments and capitalizes on the fear that women have for a breast cancer diagnosis. While her surgical skills are good, women should definitely get a second opinion.

I took my 17yr old daughter there for an evaluation of a breast mass. I feel Dr. Smith was extremely thorough, genuine and took her time with my daughter. Went over her exam and results, and explained her options. Spoke to us in her office rather than gowned down in an exam room. Talked to her about school and hobbies and was very attentive to any questions we asked her. Our experience with her was a 5 star.

Dr.Smith saw me and my husband the same day I was told I had breast cancer. Her staff called me and returned my calls. Appt and paper work were given to me. A plan was worked out for my treatment plan. I was treated like a special person.

You feel very rushed & that you are inconveniencing her if you ask questions. The office is chaotic and nearly standing room only. She has too many patients to provide the level of service and care you are entitled. Extremely quick to jump to lumpectomy and full double mastectomy. Been a patient since 2010, her level of patient focus and care has declined dramatically. Having lousy bedside manner is of no concern if she's thorough, you could get past that. I really question how thorough she is when she spends 5 minutes with you! NOT GOING BACK!

I have been a patient of Dr. Smith for more than 25 years. I have ALWAYS found her to be so compassionate. I have always felt like I was the only patient that mattered to her. She is very quiet but very very kind hearted. We are lucky to have a doctor of her caliber in Albuquerque. She may not be for everyone or every personality type but she is EXCELLENT at what she does and always has her patients best interested in mind.

She saved my life! I trust her!

After I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a surgeon who wasn't sure what they were going to do, I was referred to Dr. Smith. I called mid-afternoon for an appointment and was seen that same day. Dr. Smith spent an hour and half with myself and my husband discussing our options and what our next steps should be. At a time when your world is upside down, Dr. Smith's staff took care of my every need, I didn't have to worry about scheduling anything. I would highly recommend Dr. Smith to anyone!

Am looking to change doctors in the midst of my surgical follow-up. She ordered a bunch of blood work prior to surgery with no intent of following up on the findings. The radiologist at the Breast Imaging Center found some small calcifications in the radiograph the day before surgery and insisted upon their removal. He spoke with Dr. Smith. No one spoke to me. To relieve the pain from the papilloma (the correct diagnosis) and to avoid being charged as a no-show, I felt I had no choice but to go through with the surgery. Went in for a single duct excision and wound up with a total duct excision and two lumpectomies. Imagine my surprise when I looked in the mirror. When I questioned her about the surgery, all I got was I should be grateful that they were aggressive in my treatment and that I learned I didn't have cancer. She still hasn't provided me with a copy of the pathology report.

This was absolutely the worst experience with a dr. I have ever had. When the "C" word is involved you need a dr. with compassion, and dr. smith does not have an ounce of compassion. In my opinion and many others that I have spoke to, she is desperate for money and her answer to everything is surgery. My second opinion doctor (after Dr. Smith had already done surgery) said that surgery wasn't even necessary, so now I am left with ugly scars and a big medical bill. Please just get a second opinion before making any big decisions with Dr. Smith, is all I ask. It's your body and you have to live with the decisions you make, while she is finished with your surgery she can care less with what happens after. She has her paycheck and that's all she cares about. I work in the medical field and know numerous patients who have had terrifying experiences with her. I don't usually post my thoughts on the internet but this needs to be out there for possible future patients.

Tried for several days to schedule an appointment as Dr. Smith was one of several I was referred to when diagnosed. Never was able to reach a human being to schedule an appointment after several days of trying/returning calls. However, unknowingly to me, Dr. Smith's office scheduled an appointment with a Lab for me for a procedure/test I may have needed and contacted my insurance company to authorize the procedure without my knowledge. NOTE: I had never even SPOKE with anyone from the office little lone had an appointment or gave my consent for any of the above. After receiving letter from my insurance company regarding approval for procedure :cc'd to Dr Smith office, the Asst blatently denied that they had scheduled appt (I confirmed they had with lab) or that they had contacted my insurance company (insurance company confirmed they had). Took 48 hours and many phone calls to get them to cancel the pre-authorization with my insurance company so that I could schedulel the needed test with another doctor. WHOM I had actually had actually had an appointment with and gave my consent for the test/procedure. Would never recomend a Dr. who starts contacting Insurance company without meeting a patient.

I have seen this doctor for several years as she has been monitoring my condition. She has ordered all the necessary tests, to my knowledge, but her "bedside manner" is extremely poor, appears designed to increase the stress that is already being felt, and has in the past year become somewhat bizarre. She actually commented that my breasts seemed so "little" to "be giving so much trouble." Despite all tests being negative, on my last visit, she stressed how concerned "they" all were - who she meant besides herself, I wasn't sure. She couldn't explain what she was concerned about as all tests were negative, the situation had remained the same for several years, and she wasn't recommending surgery (said it would be "too radical" a course). In short, she had nothing to say but to express her "concern." That was neither comforting nor what I had paid for. I strongly recommend finding someone else.

While Dr. Smith is worth the wait, her office staff and the energy in the office is not welcoming or pleasant. I feel no warmth and often wonder if the folks up front are miserable or just have poor social skills. It is unfortunate as one goes into the office with their own concerns and worries, and the time waiting feels like torture.

Five years after my surgery with Dr Smith I am happily taking my best friend to see her for surgery. She will be the second patient I have referred for surgery to Dr Smith. I believe Dr. Smith helped me make all the right decisions. I did however go to her with informed questions.