Clayton (Tony) Smith, MD

I’m a pediatric cardiologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. I provide specialized treatment options for various cardiac conditions that affect children, including congenital heart disease (CHD.) In addition, I also have extensive training in cardiac imaging procedures.

I became interested in congenital cardiology after learning about the incredible variety of heart conditions during medical school and residency. During my training in adult medicine, I realized that very few cardiologists have the experience or knowledge to care for adults living with CHD once they age out of pediatric care. As a result, I have dedicated my career to caring for these patients.

My focus in cardiology is the use of non-invasive imaging to evaluate CHD. I use echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cardiac CT angiography (CTA) and 3D modeling to plan procedures and surgeries. I find these studies and tools helpful in teaching patients and families about their heart condition.

My goal is to work with every patient and their family to create a treatment plan that meets their individual needs. Ultimately, I want to help my patients live as fully as possible while learning to handle the challenges and road bumps of living with CHD.

In addition to my clinical practice, I conduct research on evaluating the effects of long-term congenital heart disease and factors such as surgical procedures, medications and exercise that might improve patient outcomes. I have a particular interest in learning about ways we can improve life for patients with single ventricle heart disease who have had the Fontan procedure.

Outside of the hospital, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two daughters, woodworking, hiking and other outdoor activities. I’m a huge University of Kentucky football and basketball fan, and I also enjoy cheering on the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds.