Sheila D. Smith, MD

Honors, Awards, etc.

2026 Seattle Met "Top Doctors"

Board Certification

Board Certified in Neurology
Board Certified in Vascular Neurology

Experience

Sheila Smith, MD, is a board certified neurology and vascular neurology physician at EvergreenHealth. Dr. Smith cares for patients in the hospital setting as a neurohospitalist as well as sees patients in the EvergreenHealth Neuroscience Institute stroke clinic.
In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Smith enjoys research, teaching and process improvement of stroke care delivery in the hospital setting. Since 2014 she has participated in work groups with other clinical leaders across the state to improve our Washington state system of stroke care. Dr. Smith completed her neurology residency training in the early 2000's, when neurologists did not have as many options as they do today, when it comes to treating patients who presented to the hospital within a few hours of the onset of a new stroke.
Dr. Smith enjoys collaborating with other medical specialties including EMS, emergency medicine, neurosurgery, and rehabilitative medicine in order to ensure that our patients at EvergreenHealth and in the state of Washington are receiving stroke care that is efficient, effective, and research based.

Philosophy of Care

In the hospital setting, patients are often experiencing a sudden change in their health that is unexpected. Hospitalization itself is stressful, but the prospect of long term neurological disability adds to that stress. Patients and families are often overwhelmed with both processing medical information provided to them by their healthcare provider and then making treatment decisions and furthermore, often find adjustment to living with a new neurological condition challenging.
As a provider, I see my role as a partner in your care as twofold. First, I strive to provide my patients with care that is effective and evidence based. I have been in practice for 15 years and have seen amazing advancements in the field of neurology through research and collaboration with other medical specialties. I embrace continual learning and collaboration with my colleagues in other specialties such as neurosurgery, emergency medicine, cardiology, or rehabilitation medicine in order to provide my patients with comprehensive care.
Secondly, I want to educate my patients and families about their neurological condition and help them make informed decisions about their treatment in a way that is respectful and compassionate. I recognize that the needs and wishes for my patients and their families is as unique as them. I've learned over the years that good communication and listening are paramount to understanding patients' needs and decisions.

Video

How Vivistim Helps Restore Arm Movement After Stroke