SSM Health is welcoming Nathan Smith, MD, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, to SSM Health Dale Michels Heart & Vascular Care.

In his practice, Dr. Smith most commonly treats patients with heart disease, lung tumors, and traumatic chest injuries. He also has specific interests in broad-based cardiac surgery, minimally invasive and robotic chest surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and the management of chest trauma and surgical critical care.

“I was inspired to pursue cardiothoracic surgery after observing heart surgery as a young man,” according to Dr. Smith. “The combination of team leadership, guiding patients through difficult times and the technical precision of working with the human body really appealed to me.”

Dr. Smith takes a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on everyone’s full health picture and personal goals. “I treat patients holistically, taking into account their life’s situation, their entire set of health needs and their goals and desires – not just the one diagnosis for which they came to see me,” he says.

He also emphasizes the meaningful nature of his work and the importance of compassionate care. “It is a deep privilege to study and care for the human body, and every heartbeat is truly a miracle,” Dr. Smith adds.

A graduate of Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Dr. Smith completed his general surgery residency at Kendall Regional Medical Center in Miami, Florida, and his cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery, and the American Board of Surgery Surgical Critical Care.

In his free time, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with his wife and children, traveling, medical mission trips, and reading.

For more information, call 920-926-8231.

Date posted: August 10, 2026