Biography
Abby Smith is a lung health navigator and a member of the comprehensive lung cancer care team at MyMichigan Health. This team also includes pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, interventional radiologists, pathologists and a genetic counselor.
As a lung health navigator, Abby works closely with patients at high risk for lung cancer. Her role includes:
- Scheduling lung cancer screenings and follow-up appointments as needed.
- Connecting patients with smoking cessation resources.
- Assisting with monitoring lung nodules.
- Coordinating additional diagnostic tests and physician visits.
- Providing oversight of each patient’s treatment care plan.
- Coordinating meetings with the multidisciplinary lung cancer care team.
- Connecting patients with support services as needed.
- Guiding patients through the recovery process and ongoing follow-up care.
The Lung Health Navigator role is an integral part of MyMichigan’s Lung Cancer Screening, which is dedicated to the prevention and early detection of the disease. The screening begins with a low dose CT scan. Very often, the scan shows no need for further testing or treatment. But should findings indicate that follow-up is needed, Abby expedites the next steps in the process. Whatever the diagnosis, she remains the primary point of contact for patients and their families throughout their entire journey. She collaborates closely with all members of the care team to facilitate a collaborative approach to each patient’s plan of care.
Abby always felt a strong calling to work with patients’ recently diagnosed with cancer. “Support from loved ones and compassionate care from providers can lead people through these difficult times when they feel scared and overwhelmed,” she said. “I want to help bring comfort and strength to my patients and be someone for them to lean on.”
Philosophy of Care
Abby has an upbeat personality, a gracious demeanor and a passion for patient care. “It’s a blessing to be able to develop relationships with my patients,” she said. “Initially, patients mainly come to me looking for information and assistance, but throughout the course of their treatment journey, I am blessed to have to opportunity to really get to know them and understand what’s most important to them.”
