Spartan Profiles: Deborah Smart

DOCTOR EXECUTIVE

            In May, she received the YWCA’s “Women Of Achievement” Award.  Earlier this year, she was named “Most Influential African American” by the Soaring Eagle Community Development Corp.  She won the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from People’s Voice in Lake County, IL, for her tireless volunteer work in drug abuse programs and prevention and treatment programs.  Clearly the word is out about Deborah Y. Smart, M.D. ’79, the vice president and medical director of Trustmark Insurance, Lake Forest, IL. 

            A physician as well as a corporate executive, Smart has clearly made a huge impact in her community, and beyond.  “Twelve years ago I took this job on a temporary basis,” says Smart with a chuckle.  “I use my medical expertise in this job, but not as a physician.  We review hundreds of medical documents on a daily basis.” 

            A graduate of Detroit’s Cass Tech, Deborah attended the University of Michigan prior to MSU’s medical school.  “MSU was a very good experience,” she recalls.  “I was part of the small group that went to Grand Rapids (the last two years), just over 100 students, so we were close and we suffered together.”  

            Her favorite course was in anatomy, where she remembers having to figure out a cadaver with pins all over it.  “The pins had questions like, ‘Where does this vessel travel to and what reaction does it cause?’ It was very challenging.  I never worked harder on any course.  The professor was outstanding.” 

            In her free time, Deborah has gotten involved with NICASA (Northern Illinois Council Against Substance Abuse), serving on its board of directors for nearly a decade.  “We try to keep kids from getting into drugs and gangs, and also provide for anger management in jails and for parents,” she explains, adding that she also volunteers weekly at a free clinic in Waukegan to treat patients who do not have medical insurance.  “That’s my favorite thing to do,” she notes.  “My patients are great.”