Lara Niles, FNP

Velmalia Matthews-Smith, MD is a hematologist and oncologist at the Center for Cancer Care at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam, NY. Dr. Matthews-Smith is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine. She completed medical training at University of South Alabama and Eastern Virginia Medical School. She did a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of South Alabama and a fellowship in Hematology/Medical Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Smith grew up in a small town, so she understands the unique healthcare challenges that the rural setting of Canton-Potsdam Hospital faces. She works to treat her patients as though they were a family member in order to put not only the patient at ease, but also their loved ones. Dr. Smith understands that each person's cancer is different, and with a full understanding of those differences, she is able to individualize the treatment plans so that the most effective therapy can be chosen.

At Canton-Potsdam Maternity, a caring team of birthing experts is dedicated to creating a healthy, loving environment for your baby’s arrival. We offer a range of prenatal and delivery options, including midwifery, postpartum care, and childbirth education. Our labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum room (LDRPs) provide continuity from labor through recovery. You’ll find pain relief options for every preference—from natural methods like Jacuzzi tubs and birthing balls to medication and epidurals. "Rooming In" lets families stay close, and our compassionate staff supports your unique birth experience. We also participate in NY’s Breastfeeding Quality program, with certified lactation specialists offering support.

Rajiv Shah, MD is a gastroenterologist in Potsdam, NY. Dr. Shah is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology and completed a fellowship in Gastroenterology at Catholic Medical Center. He received medical training at Baroda Medical College in Baroda, India before completing residencies at Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, VA and Catholic Medical Center in Brooklyn and Queens, NY. Dr. Shah will listen to his patients symptoms and determine the best course of action for each individual situation. Through the use of an endoscope, Dr. Shah is able to examine what is going on in one's digestive track, which allows him the ability to diagnose the medical issues his patients are experiencing.