Front & Center

Meet Pamela Smith, M.D., MPH:
A doctor who leads by example
As the first in our “Women in Leadership” series, Pamela Smith, M.D., MPH, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, a member of Chapter 20002, Trenton, MI, exemplifies a true and insightful leader. She is diplomat and board examiner of the Board of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Physicians and is an internationally known speaker and author on the subject of wellness, anti-aging, and functional medicine.

She is currently owner and director of The Center For Healthy Living and Longevity with 30 locations nationwide. Director of the Anti-Aging and Functional Medicine Fellowship, she is also the author of the best-selling books, “HRT: The Answers” and “Vitamins: Hype or Hope?”

After Dr. Smith spoke at a local women’s organization, I had a conversation with her during which she shared her views on leadership.

Q: What is your style of leadership?
A:  I believe in leading by example. In medicine that certainly means staying as healthy as you can. When I’m working on a project, I always get behind it unconditionally. I do whatever it takes to make the project a success. And I believe in Ronald Reagan’s theory, “Keep people around you who are at least as smart as you, if not smarter.”

Q: What are the most significant events in your life that define you as a very accomplished woman?
A: I have a strong spiritual health component in my life. I don’t carry burdens, I let God carry them for me. I’m a “glass half full” person. I can always make lemonade out of lemons. At one point in my life, I missed a year of work because of an illness. I learned what it was like to be a patient and learned never to criticize anyone until I’ve walked a day in their moccasins. I had the time to read more books about medicine and do more research. And I was very fortunate to have excellent mentors in my life such as Dr. Jeff Bland and Dr. Robert Goldman.

Q: Who has had the greatest influence on you as a person and how?
A: My 10th-grade English teacher, Mr. Reimer, opened my eyes to the love of literature. I read all kinds of books, from medical books to general free-reading books that allow you to use your imagination. Majoring in English in college was one of the best decisions of my life. My strong background in English and a good command of the English language were major factors in my acceptance into medical school. It set me apart from others.

Q: Who do you believe are good examples of women in leadership?
A: Debbie Stabenow, United States Senator from Michigan, is a bright woman who can see both sides of a situation, and Jennifer Granholm, Michigan’s governor, is a wonderful leader who has pulled both parties together in a state that has had the worst economy in the country. And, I would have loved the opportunity to have spent an evening with Mother Theresa!

Q: What advice would you give women today?
A: I believe you have to love what you do and do it with honesty, kindness, and patience. I’m very fortunate that I have the opportunity to work in this new field of anti-aging and functional medicine.

We look at the cause of the problems as opposed to just treating the symptoms. Customized and individualized patient care is so important today. That’s why we look at how your body works and design a treatment plan for you and you only.

We all must manage our stress level. And that means taking vacations and really getting away. That was a big change for me but it greatly decreases my stress level. I don’t read my e-mails when I’m on vacation, my administrative assistant does. Keeping up with e-mail gives you a sense of immediacy that puts a great deal of stress on your body. I also think it’s important to give back to your community. For example, I strongly support Child Help USA, whose mission is to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused and neglected children. And while you’re giving back to the community, give back to other women. We need to teach others how to network better with other women.