Robert C. Smith, MD is internationally recognized for his evidence-based teaching innovations in mental health care and the doctor-patient relationship as developer of 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 Achievement Award from the Society of General Internal Medicine. He has obtained major grant support from, for example, the private Fetzer Institute and federal institutions such as Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).