GARY A. SMITH, MD, FAAFP
Education
- -2012-2014 Master of Medical Management, University of Southern California
- -1996-1999 Family Practice Residency, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- -1993-1996 Medical Degree, Ross University School of Medicine
- -1993-1994 BS Biology, Ross University
- -1990-1993 Arizona State University, Premedicine requirements
- -1986-1990 AAS Fire Science, Rio Salado Community College
- -1985-1990 AAS Advanced Emergency Medical Technology (Paramedic)
- Phoenix College
- -1986 Paramedic, Samaritan Health Services/Glendale Fire Department
Members
National Association of EMS Physicians American Academy of Family Physicians Arizona Academy of Family Physicians Arizona Medical Society American Board of Family Practice American Medical Association Maricopa County Medical Society
Leadership
-July 2010- Present Banner Ironwood Medical Center, Medical Executive Committee
-July 2009- Present Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants
-May 2005-present Medical Director, Gilbert Fire Department
-Sept 2004-present Medical Director, Mesa Fire Department
-Feb 2004-Jan 2006 Medical Director of Training, Southwest Ambulance
-Jan 2003-present Arizona Department of Health Services, EMS Education Committee
-July 2001-2003 EMS Rules Task Force, Arizona Department of Health Services
-Sept 2002-present Medical Director, Central Arizona College, Fire Science/EMT
-Sept 2001-2003 Medical Director, Hospice Family Care
-Jan 2000-2002 Family Practice Committee, Mesa/Valley Lutheran Hospital
-Jan 2000-present Medical Director, Apache Junction Fire District
-1998-1999 Chief Resident, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Family Practice
-1998-1999 Chairman Housestaff Council, University of Nebraska Medical Center
-1997-1998 Housestaff Council, University of Nebraska Medical Center
-1997-1998 President, Family Practice Resident Organization, UNMC
Awards
-Superstition District, District Award of Merit (’09)
-Arizona Emergency Medical Services, Physician Recognition (’07)
-San Tan District, Boy Scouts of America; Spark Plug Award (’05)
-Silver Beaver Award (’05)
-Grand Canyon Council, Boy Scouts of America; Venture Leadership Award (’04)
-Who’s Who, Medicine (’03)
-Diplomat American Board of Family Practice—Board Certified (’00, ’07)
-House Officer of the Year, University of Nebraska Medical Center (’99)
-House Officer of the Year, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Family Practice (’99)
-Outstanding Senior Resident in Colposcopy, American Society of Cervical Pathology
Dr. Winchell
Physician
Dr. Winchell began working with EMS in the early 1990’s as an ER Tech at Maricopa Medical Center after obtaining his EMT from Mesa Community College. He worked at Maricopa Medical Medical Center throughout his college years until leaving for Chicago to attend Medical School at Midwestern University. As a medical student, Dr. Winchell worked a lot with Chicago Fire and surrounding municipality fire departments while attending his rotations in various emergency departments throughout the Chicagoland area. Upon graduation from Medical School, Dr. Winchell returned to Maricopa Medical Center to complete his residency in Emergency Medicine. As a Resident Physician, Dr. Winchell worked closely with local EMS in the Phoenix metro region and attended many “ride alongs” with the various departments. Upon completion of residency, Dr. Winchell took a position as an Emergency Room Physician at Banner Desert Medical Center in July 2006 and has been there ever since. In January of 2009, Dr. Winchell took the position as EMS Base Station Medical Director at Banner Desert/Banner Childrens Medical Center and has held that position to this date. Dr. Winchell has always hada special
interest with EMS and this passion continues to this day as he works with various departments quite regularly in developing protocols for EMS and offering frequent CME lectures. He has always had an affinity for EMS and plans to continue this throughout his career.
Amber Chitwood
Physician Assistant
Amber Chitwood has been a physician assistant for over 18 years. Her undergraduate education was completed after time in both Idaho and Utah. As an Arizona native, she was excited to come back to The Valley to complete her graduate studies at A.T. Still University in Mesa. She has enjoyed working in family medicine, sports medicine, pediatrics and emergency medicine. Amber is passionate about her profession and enjoys any opportunity she has to learn and grow within the field of medicine. However, her true love is her family and she spends her “free time” trying to keep up with her husband and 5 busy children.
Justin Cooper
Physician Assistant
Justin Cooper is a Physician Assistant and valley native. He attended the military inter service physician assistant program (ipap) and graduated in 2019. He has worked family medicine, telemedicine, urgent care, pain management, emergency medicine and home health care. Before becoming a physician assistant Cooper was a firefighter for Scottsdale along with being an Army medic. He loves being involved still with first responders and enjoys educating and spending time around such a fun community of professionals. He is married to his high school sweetheart and has 3 boys, he and his family are currently halfway done with visiting all 63 national parks and love camping across the country.
Shelly Leonard
Office Manager
Shelly Leonard is the Office Manager for Dr. Gary A. Smith’s medical practices, bringing over two decades of dedicated service, expertise, and commitment to patient care. Since joining the team in September 1999, Shelly has been instrumental in managing daily operations, ensuring smooth administrative processes, and delivering high-quality care to every patient. A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders, Shelly combines her technical expertise with a compassionate approach, embodying the values of excellence and professionalism in healthcare. She is also an active member of the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Shelly is a devoted wife, mother of four, and grandmother of four. She is deeply engaged in her community, volunteering as a coach and board member for youth sports organizations, including Pop Warner, Little League, and local booster clubs. In her free time, Shelly loves spending time outdoors with her family, where they create lasting memories together.
