As a high school student, Smith-Riggleman excelled in science and math courses. With those skills, she knew she wanted to be a PA. After graduating, she became the first person in her family to attend college when she enrolled in the four-year PA program at Alderson Broaddus University. For roughly 30 years, she served patients as a family medicine PA before pivoting to cancer care.

“For around three decades, I worked with my husband, who is a family doctor. I loved family medicine,” she said. When I learned WVU was building this cancer center, I felt led to apply. For years, my patients spent hours traveling for cancer treatments. I knew if I could be part of providing competent oncology care, I had to be involved.”

So, she jumped in with both feet and completed in-depth cancer care training alongside talented, expert advanced practice providers at Mary Baby Randolph Cancer Center in Morgantown. Today, she delivers all aspects of medical oncology care to patients living with cancer and other conditions that require infusion therapy. Helping her patients fight disease is rewarding. Making it easier for them to receive life-extending or lifesaving care is equally fulfilling, she said.

“Being able to treat patients closer to their home and their families is just huge. We make a big impact,” she said. “Most people thrive not having to drive an hour or more to and from treatment. We take good care of our own here. We know our patients, and they know us. It’s like being there for family.”

Increasing patient access to care has always been a driving force for Smith-Riggleman. In 2007, 15 years into her career, she earned her master’s degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. It was a move that positioned her well to train the next generation of qualified PAs.

“I knew I wanted to teach future PAs who could work in underserved communities. I also knew every student would graduate with a master’s level degree,” she said. “So, I went back to school. Today, I teach as an adjunct faculty member in the PA program at Marshall University and precept students in a clinical setting.”

In addition to guiding new students and working alongside Dr. Shannon, Smith-Riggleman also partners closely with other WVU Medicine providers.

“Our office receives many referrals from other specialties, such as rheumatology and infectious diseases,” she says. “I stay in close contact with the referring providers and maintain healthy relationships. Through phone calls, emails or secure chats, we work together to deliver the best care possible for every patient.”

When Smith-Riggleman isn’t at work, she enjoys time with her husband, who still maintains his practice in Hardy County. She’s an aspiring golfer and has a self-professed obsession with all things related to the sport, including carts, clothes, and clubs. She also enjoys skiing and tending to her vegetable garden. As empty nesters with three adult children, she and her husband look forward to becoming doting grandparents one day.