About
Dr. Dean Smith brings a distinctly educational philosophy to internal medicine in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He believes his most important role is teaching patients to understand their illness and take an active role in their own wellness. That conviction has shaped his practice for decades.
Dr. Smith earned his Bachelor of Arts from Pennsylvania State University in 1978. He went on to complete his Doctorate of Medicine at Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital in Philadelphia in 1982. He then completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Lankenau Hospital in Philadelphia, finishing in 1985. He holds dual board certifications as a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians. He also carries the BaleDoneen Method Endorsed Provider designation, reflecting his focus on cardiovascular risk. He pursued advanced management training through the American College of Physician Executives and earned a Certificate of Medical Management from Carnegie Mellon University in 2001. The Myrtle Beach Herald named him Best of the Beach Internist in 2005, 2007, and 2008. He also earned the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2010. He served as Past President of the Medical Society of Horry County and maintains active membership in the American College of Physicians and the South Carolina Medical Association.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Pennsylvania State University, B.A. Liberal Arts, 1978
Medical School
Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, Doctorate of Medicine 1982
Residency
Internal Medicine, Lankenau Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, 1982-1985
Additional Training
American College of Physician Executives, Preliminary Courses for Masters of Medical Management Degree 1997-2000; Carnegie Mellon University, Certificate of Medical Management 2001; Carnegie Mellon University, Masters of Medical Management
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Smith right for?
Dr. Smith is a strong fit for adults who want a physician deeply invested in their long-term health. Patients managing type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension benefit from his chronic condition focus. He works especially well with patients who want to understand their health, not just receive a prescription. Anyone seeking a doctor they can reach at any hour will find his 24/7 availability reassuring.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Smith focuses on internal medicine with particular attention to type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. He helps members achieve better control of these chronic conditions through the MDVIP Wellness Program and personalized care plans.
Yes. Dr. Smith holds board certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He also holds certification from the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians.
Dr. Smith treats the doctor-patient relationship as a teaching partnership. He focuses on helping patients understand their conditions fully, so they can actively participate in decisions about their health. He describes his role as empowering each patient to be his partner in improving their well-being.
Dr. Smith earned his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital in Philadelphia in 1982. He then completed his internal medicine residency at Lankenau Hospital in Philadelphia, finishing in 1985.
Yes. The Myrtle Beach Herald named Dr. Smith Best of the Beach Internist in 2005, 2007, and 2008. He also received the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Yes. Dr. Smith makes himself reachable by phone after hours and on weekends. Members can contact him directly for urgent matters without waiting for the next business day.
Dr. Smith sees every patient personally. Members visit him directly at each appointment, not a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Dr. Smith holds the BaleDoneen Method Endorsed Provider designation, which reflects advanced training in cardiovascular risk assessment. He also earned a Certificate of Medical Management from Carnegie Mellon University and completed postgraduate coursework through the American College of Physician Executives.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026