In this episode, John Cordray and Dr. Robert Smith discuss the critical need for integrating mental health care into medical training. Dr. Smith shares his personal journey from a traditional medical background to recognizing the importance of addressing mental health issues in patient care. They explore the gaps in medical education regarding mental health, the significance of empathy in doctor-patient relationships, and the urgent need for public involvement to drive change in healthcare practices. Dr. Smith emphasizes the necessity of training primary care physicians in mental health care to improve patient outcomes and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Takeaways:

1. Dr. Smith's journey highlights the importance of mental health in medicine.
2. Medical training often neglects mental health education.
3. Empathy is crucial in doctor-patient relationships.
4. Patients often feel unheard and unsupported in their mental health struggles.
5. Integrating mental health training into medical education is essential.
6. Public involvement is necessary to drive change in healthcare.
7. Mental health issues are the most common health conditions faced by patients.
8. Doctors need to be trained to recognize and address mental health issues.
9. The healthcare system must evolve to include mental health care as a priority.
10. Dr. Smith's book aims to raise awareness about the gaps in mental health care. 

Dr. Robert C. Smith is a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based mental health care and doctor-patient communication. A University Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Michigan State University, Dr. Smith developed the first patient-centered method to train medical professionals to build strong partnerships with their patients.

Throughout his career, Dr. Smith has been honored with numerous awards, including Master recognition from the American College of Physicians and the George Engel Award for Outstanding Research.

He has published more than 150 papers and receives hundreds of academic citations annually for his groundbreaking work. Dr. Smith’s expertise and dedication to reforming mental health care makes Has Medicine Lost Its Mind? Why Our Mental Health System is Failing Us and What Should Be Done About is essential reading for policymakers, health care professionals, and anyone concerned about the future of mental health in America.

Learn more about Dr. Smith here - https://www.robertcsmithmd.com/

X https://x.com/RobertCSmithMD

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobertCSmithMD

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcsmithmd/

Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/robert-c-smith-md-macp

Bob's Blog https://www.robertcsmithmd.com/psychology-today-blog/

Podcast Host: John Cordray, LPC https://www.johncordray.com

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