Leslie Smith, APRN, FNP-C

Meet Leslie Smith, APRN, FNP-C

Pioneering Specialized Colorectal Care and Surgical Excellence in Central Louisiana

Leslie Smith, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in colon and rectal surgery at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. Serving the Alexandria community and surrounding parishes, Leslie entered the advanced practice workforce in 2020, navigating the complexities of surgical care during the height of the global pandemic. Today, she is a pivotal figure in the surgical team at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini, where she bridges the gap between high-tech surgical intervention and the personalized care needed for long-term recovery.

Career at a Glance

• Board Certified: Credentialed by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) with a specialized focus in surgical sciences.
• Pandemic-Era Leadership: Launched her advanced practice career in 2020, rapidly adapting to high-acuity surgical demands in a regional trauma environment.
• Published Researcher: Co-author of clinical research evaluating the safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted surgical procedures at Rapides Regional Medical Center.
• Regional Care Hub Lead: Manages patient panels across four strategic locations in Alexandria and Elmer to ensure rural health access.

Clinical Role and Leadership

As a core leader within her community, Leslie provides the clinical stability necessary for continuous care in Alexandria’s premier surgical programs. She leads the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, which have been shown to reduce length of hospital stay and improve patient safety through multimodal pain management and early mobilization. Leslie provides specialized care for conditions such as:

• Colon and Rectal Cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Rectal Prolapse
• Fecal Incontinence
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis)
• Hemorrhoidal Disease and Anal Fissures
• Anorectal Abscesses and Fistulas

What You Can Expect from Care with Leslie Smith

Leslie’s approach is rooted in the "nursing model," which treats the individual rather than just the diagnosis. She prioritizes "Case Conceptualization," developing a holistic view of your health that integrates your medical history, nutritional status, and social support into a tailored recovery roadmap. You can expect:

• Shared Decision-Making: Comprehensive explanations of surgical vs. conservative management options to ensure you feel empowered in your choices.
• Perioperative Advocacy: Dedicated support through the entire surgical journey, from pre-operative staging to long-term survivorship.
• Clear Communication: A focus on "explaining things clearly," a hallmark of the Nurse Practitioner model that consistently earns high patient satisfaction marks.
• Compassionate Resilience: A steadying presence for those navigating new oncology diagnoses or chronic gastrointestinal conditions.

Advanced Surgical Innovation / Diagnostic Care

Practicing as a regional leader in surgical technology, Leslie is an expert in perioperative management of patients undergoing minimally invasive and robotic-assisted colorectal procedures. She plays a key role in selecting patients for robotic platforms.

Research, Clinical Insight, and Thought Leadership

Leslie is an active contributor to the global medical community through her involvement in clinical quality improvement (CQI). Most recently, she co-authored a retrospective analysis on the practicality and safety of Robotic Single-Site procedures, published in collaboration with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Additionally, she serves as a clinical preceptor, mentoring the next generation of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students in the complexities of surgical oncology and wound care.

Commitment to Public Health and Health Equity

Understanding the unique health disparities in Central Louisiana, Leslie is a staunch advocate for community outreach. She actively promotes colorectal cancer screening, participating in "Dress in Blue" day initiatives to encourage early detection starting at age 45. By maintaining practice sites on North Bolton Avenue and in Elmer, she ensures that transportation and socioeconomic barriers do not prevent rural patients from receiving elite-level specialty care.

Education and Certifications

• Graduate School: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited university program.
• Board Certification: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.
• Professional Memberships: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP); Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners (LANP); Associate Member, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).