Dr. Ruth Smothers, MD
Physician
Family Medicine
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About Dr. Ruth Smothers, MD
Dr. Ruth L Smothers, MD is a board-certified Baton Rouge family medicine practitioner providing care to patients at Baton Rouge Primary Care Collaborative.
Procedures & Services
Patient Education Resources
I have atrial fibrillation. Why did my doctor prescribe anticoagulants?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, that can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart. These clots can then travel to other parts of the body, s...
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, that can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart. These clots can then travel to other parts of the body, s...
I have long COVID. Should I be concerned about getting another COVID vaccine?
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to the persistence of symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and muscle pain, among others, afte...
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to the persistence of symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and muscle pain, among others, afte...
I snore regularly. Should I be worried about sleep apnea?
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and frequ...
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and frequ...
My PSA is elevated. What should I do next?
An elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection. If your PSA...
An elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection. If your PSA...
What tests can determine if my pelvic pain is due to endometriosis or something else?
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose endometriosis, a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it. The most common tests include:Pelvic exam: During a pelvic e...
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose endometriosis, a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it. The most common tests include:Pelvic exam: During a pelvic e...
Education & Training
Residency: McGaw Medical Center Northwestern University