Dr. Michael Smith, MD is senior health science specialist with Life Extension in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the world’s leading organization dedicated to extending the healthy human life span. The company’s online personality, Dr. Smith is considered by his fans as the country doctor with a city education. He writes blog posts, creates and conducts webinars and appears in informative videos. His engaging ability to present complex medical topics, be it cancer, migraines, food sensitivity or Crohn’s Disease, in a clear, conversational manner has won him a sizable following of anti-aging and disease-prevention enthusiasts. For more than five years, he has worked at Life Extension in a variety of capacities, including as a health advisor, clinical information trainer, keynote speaker for the company’s monthly lecture series and clinical information specialist. Before joining Life Extension, Dr. Smith worked for the global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca as a cardiovascular medical science liaison. A spokesman for AstraZeneca’s phase-3 clinical trial programs, he traveled throughout the U.S. presenting study results to cardiology groups and university centers. A graduate of the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Smith completed an internship in internal medicine at the University of Utah and a residency in radiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He has been a guest lecturer for numerous anti-aging organizations in South Florida, appeared on numerous syndicated national radio shows and is currently seen in several regional infomercials as an expert guest. He has appeared on Gem of the Caribbean, a television show dedicated to disease prevention and will be a recurring guest this fall on the Suzanne Somers Show on the Lifetime Network. Most recently he has contributed to Martha Stewart’s Whole Living website and health articles on Examiner.com. In his spare time, Dr. Smith manages several content-based medical websites, adding to his legion of health-conscious fans.

Health E-Insights: What is your role at Life Extension?

Dr. Smith: As senior health scientist and clinical educator, I am a liaison between the Life Extension Foundation and external customers. I create and execute educational programs for the foundation on a variety of topics and through a variety of media outlets, including live lectures, online seminars, radio shows, videos, written publications and television appearances.

Health E-Insights: What is one major thing people don’t know about Life Extension?

Dr. Smith: Life Extension manufactured and marketed the first antioxidant product in the early 1980’s and introduced to the industry several everyday supplements such as melatonin and ubiquinol CoQ10.

Health E-Insights: What has been Life Extension’s most effective marketing tactic?

Dr. Smith: Remaining information focused and dedicated towards disseminating unbiased scientific information through different media outlets, like print publications and digital media. By doing this, we’ve established and fostered our credibility as a reliable source of information and a provider of high quality products and services.

Health E-Insights: You will be appearing on the Suzanne Somers show this fall. How are you preparing for it?

Dr. Smith: Biting my nails. And then practicing my segments under the lights and with a camera staring at me. I am trying to create the atmosphere of a real live studio as best as I can. I believe in what I am saying and have a passion for the information. So my goal is to simply share the information with Suzanne’s audience. I want them to forget that they are watching television. I want the viewers to feel as if they are in Suzanne’s living room having a thoughtful conversation on a particular health topic of interest to them. This is not a lecture. This is not an interview. This is not about me. Instead, this is about friends spending time together. That’s all.

Health E-Insights: What is your proudest accomplishment over the past five years?

Dr. Smith: The past five years have been really amazing for me. I have overcome some personal health issues. I have grown both spiritually and professionally. I am now at a place in my life where I am using my God-given talents and gifts every day to help people experience true wellness – which encompasses physical, emotional, relational and spiritual health. As a medical doctor, people come to me with their problems. When they do,  I like to ask them the same question a man from Nazareth asked people over 2000 years ago – ‘Do you want to be well?’

Health E-Insights: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Dr. Smith:  Recognize that happiness is really based on situations and as situations change so do my emotions. But regardless of external circumstances, I experience joy. For me, joy is living a Christ-centered life and sharing the blessings in my life with those around me. I love opportunities to teach and share information with family, friends and anyone who enjoys learning and is committed to physical health and spiritual well-being. Playing with my dog is pretty cool too.

Sheldon Baker is well-known for creating nutraceutical brand marketing and public relations campaigns. For Health E-Insights interview consideration, contact him at [email protected]. And follow him on Twitter @NutraInk.