Nationally and internationally recognized for his evidence-based teaching innovations in mental health care and the doctor-patient relationship, Robert C. Smith, MD has received the prestigious appointment of University Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Michigan State University. Originally in private medical practice, Dr. Smith undertook additional training in mental health and patient-centered medicine, as well as research in mental health care, and has been in academics since 1978.
Dr. Smith developed the first evidence-based patient-centered method to guide teachers and their medical and nursing students and residents to master a physician's single most important skill: the ability to communicate and form a strong partnership with the patient.
Among many awards, Dr. Smith has received the Master recognition from the American College of Physicians, the George Engel Award for Outstanding Research from the Academy on Communication in Healthcare, and the Career Teaching Ach
