Our Practice - Bios

Gary A. Smith, MD, FAAFP

Gary A. Smith, MD graduated from Mesa High School in 1980. He served a mission for the LDS Church to Spain Madrid. Attended Arizona State University where he studied Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish with an emphasis in Latin American Studies while working as a Firefighter/Paramedic for the Apache Junction Fire District. He Graduated with honors from Ross University School of Medicine in 1996, and completed a Family Medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1999 where he served as Chief Resident and Chairman of the Housestaff Council.

Dr. Smith is a Diplomate with the American Board of Family Medicine and has achieved Fellow status with the American Academy of Family Physicians. He began a private Family Practice in 1999 in Mesa, AZ that offers services to over 20,000 individuals and expanded to Gilbert/Queen Creek, AZ in 2008. Dr. Smith has received the Patient Choice Award for Physicians in 2009 and 2010, Outstanding Physician Award from the Arizona Emergency Medical Services on 2008, and has been awarded many distinguished recognitions for his dedicated service to the community.

He currently serves as Medical Director for the Apache Junction Fire District, Cities of Gilbert, Mesa and Queen Creek Fire Departments, Mesa Community College and Central Arizona College. He has co-authored a Rapid Sequence Intubation training manual that is used throughout the State of Arizona in training Paramedics in advance airway skills and procedures, contributed to and edited Paramedic and emergency ECG interpretation textbooks. He is an Adjunct Professor with AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine-Arizona. He serves on the Banner Ironwood Medical Center’s Medical Executive Committee since 2010, and began serving as a Board Member with the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants in 2008. He is a member of the Town of Queen Creek, Arizona’s Disaster Response Team. Dr. Smith also performs Emergency Room services at Cobre Valley Medical Center in Globe, AZ.

Dr. Smith is married, has 6 wonderful children and volunteers many hours of service to his church, the local community, and the Superstition District of the Grand Canyon Council Boy Scouts of America where he has been the recipient of the District Award of Merit and Silver Beaver Award of Distinction.

Tracy Jones, MS, PA-C

Tracy received her physician assistant training and Master of Science and Physician Assistant Studies Degree at A.T. Still University, where she has been a professor in the program since 2001.  She is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants, Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants, and the Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants.   Tracy has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Crystal Award.  She also serves on many professional, state, and national boards and committees and is currently the Immediate Past President for the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants.  Tracy is well published and a respected member in the medical community.

Tracy comes with a sports and health background.  As a dual-sport collegiate athlete, Tracy affirmed her life-long goal to study medicine and health sciences.  Prior to her becoming a physician assistant, Tracy worked in emergency and sports medicine.  She has continued this work as a physician assistant.

While Tracy has a broad range of skills and interests, she believes that her strongest assets are her family, including three daughters, and her dedication and commitment to patient care.   “My goal is to provide and promote complete family health and wellness.  I am honored to be practicing medicine with Dr. Smith and look forward to providing the highest possible care to all of our patients.”

Shelly Leonard, CPC

Shelly is the Office Manager and has worked with Dr. Smith since September 1999. She is a certified coder with the American Academy of Professional Coders, and is also a member of Professional Association of Health Care Office Management. 

She is married with four children, who keep her very busy. She has been involved with many children sports in the community; Pop Warner, Little League, Booster Club, etc., as a coach and/or board member.  She enjoys spending time with her family outdoors.




Cheryl Luchsinger MMS, PA-C

Cheryl graduated with her masters in medical science in 2004 from Midwestern University, Glendale AZ, physician assistant program.  She is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.  She certified as a physician assistant in 2004 and practiced neurosurgery prior to joining Family Doctors in 2008.  As a physician assistant in family medicine, she enjoys providing medical care to children and adults.  Cheryl also places an emphasis on education as well as preventative medicine and care.

Cheryl has lived in Arizona for 16 years.  She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family camping, boating, and hiking.