Meet Dr. Robina Smith | Breast Cancer Surgeon & Medical Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Robina Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Robina, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I think that my excruciating attention to detail, almost bordering OCD, has been a consistent habit that helped my career as a Medical Illustrator turned Breast Cancer Surgeon turned keynote speaker/advocate. Being very observant has been crucial in my successful career journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being an artist has always defined me. I always loved to draw as a child. My mother is an artist so I got the gift from her. Art has always grounded me. My mother and I moved around a lot. I was in 5 different high schools out of the 4 years of high school in 3 different states. Transitioning was hard, but art classes at every school I attended helped me find my footing. It came naturally to me to express myself through my art. I would define myself as an expressionist but also refined my skills to be detailed oriented when I became a Medical
Illustrator.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love creative ventures, shopping, eating and drinking wine. I love art shows, theater and live music. Wherever these events are happening I am sure to find a way to be there. Being around other creative folks is where the most fun stuff happens

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely believe that one’s success can be contributed to many factors. Skills, hard work, dedication, luck, timing and support. Support comes in many shapes and sizes. For me, my support in my creativity comes from my mother (Sabrina Poole) who is an amazing artist and my sister (Lauren Poole) is the most creative soul I know. mastering all forms of mixed media. I have a BFA in Medical Illustration…this field was invented by one man named Dr. Frank Netter. He went to medical school to be a doctor and would draw in his notebook. His anatomical drawings were so good his professors would pay him to draw for them. He made so much money that after graduating medical school he never practiced. I was so inspired by him that I did the reverse. I went to undergraduate school to be a Medical Illustrator and later went to Medical School to be a doctor. I describe myself as a reverse Dr. Frank Netter!

Instagram: artdoc_nyc_4life

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robina-smith-md-34859a5