Meet Jenna Smith

By: Deon Cranford - Scotland Health Marketing

In the heart of our rural community, a quiet revolution in cancer care has been unfolding for 25 years. The Scotland Cancer Treatment Center (SCTC), an affiliate of Duke Health, has become a beacon of hope for patients and families navigating the challenges of cancer. And at the center of it, are a team of compassionate caregivers who are providing high-quality care to Scotland County and surrounding communities.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Scotland Cancer Treatment Center, a facility known for delivering safe, high-quality, and compassionate care to the communities we serve. As part of the Duke Cancer Network, the center benefits from cutting-edge research, clinical guidelines, and ongoing staff education—bringing world-class care to Scotland County.

Meet Jenna Smith

Jenna Smith, BSN, RN, serves as manager of the Scotland Cancer Treatment Center, Outpatient Infusion, and Palliative Care under the center’s director Jennifer Wilkes. Prior to her current role, Smith served as a case manager for Dr. Sejal Dave, where she worked closely with oncology patients, coordinating care and building trust.

Now, her role has expanded—and so has her impact.

“It’s a big difference,” Smith shares. “I oversee daily operations, supervise staff, ensure compliance with Scotland Health and Duke Cancer Network, manage budgets and resources, and report to senior leadership.”

Palliative Care: A New Chapter in Compassion

At Scotland Cancer Treatment Center, healing goes beyond medicine—it’s about comfort, dignity, and support. That’s where the center's new palliative care program steps in. Designed to enhance quality of life for patients facing serious illness, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms, easing pain, and addressing emotional and spiritual needs. It doesn’t replace cancer treatment—it complements it, offering a holistic approach that supports both patients and their families. With the recent launch of the center’s palliative care program, patients now have access to an added layer of personalized care, including visits from a dedicated on-site provider. It’s a meaningful step forward in ensuring that every patient feels seen, heard, and cared for—every step of the way.

“We have a physician from Duke Health, Dr. Christopher Jones, who visits periodically, and we just hired a PA, Anita Gonzales, who will be here every day,” Smith said of the new palliative program. “Patients are already benefitting—it’s exciting to offer this level of support.”

Currently the Palliative Care program only serves SCTC patients.

Teamwork Makes the Healing Work

Smith credits the center’s success to strong communication and collaboration among teammates.

“Our team communicates respectfully and promptly to ensure no patient information is misinterpreted or delayed,” she says. “We stay positive in patient environments to avoid any negative impact on their experience.”

But the collaboration doesn’t stop at the cancer center’s doors. Smith emphasizes the importance of system-wide support—from radiology and pathology to social services and lab teams.

“Everyone works as a team to keep the patient as the core focus. Without each other, patient care would not be successful.”

Where Healing Happens

Located inside Scotland Memorial Hospital at 500 Lauchwood Drive, the Scotland Cancer Treatment Center continues to be a cornerstone of cancer care in the region. For more information, call (910) 291-7630.