Dr. James Clayton Smallwood, MD

I came to the USC clinic under the impression that its providers would be inclusive and receptive to students from all walks of life. I sadly did not find this to be the case with Dr. Smallwood. I was uncomfortable sharing all of my concerns during this visit due to Dr. Smallwood's initial reception of me and some of my concerns. A patient should feel comfortable expressing all their worries without judgement. One would think that a doctor who has been practicing for over 20 years would be more sensitive and informed. I felt like we were rushing through my visit and that he was simply treating me the way things have "been done" in the past rather than viewing me holistically. I was sent home with an irrelevant, photocopied pamphlet (as if I could not find this information online) and a useless medication sample. I left with the impression that he simply practices the way he did 20+ years ago- like a horse wearing blinders- ignorant to changes that have taken place in society and blind… to patients' varied lifestyles.

Dr. Smallwood has been my GYN. For many years. I followed him from Sylva, to Asheville, then to Highlands. The Highlands drive proved too challenging, so I went with Dr. Keever in Sylva. BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE! I am so happy Dr. Smallwood is back in Sylva. Just a few weeks too late to save me from a botched surgery. Wish I could have known. Anyway, I have been back with Dr. Smallwood, again, for over a year now. He has helped me in so many areas, that he didn't even have to. I am 66 yrs. old, and he is the first doctor that has ever personally called me, several times, to give me information, or just to follow up. THE BEST!