Dr. Jonathan Smith decided to become a doctor because he always wanted to be in service to others in his community. “Growing up, I drew inspiration from people in history who did things for other people. So, becoming a physician felt natural to me,” he explains. “I also wanted to encourage members of my community to take a bigger interest in going to the doctor and learning more about how to improve their health.”

Some of Dr. Smith’s clinical interests include osteopathic treatment, women’s health, preventative medicine, knee and shoulder injections, skin biopsies, and contraceptive insertions. “I think of myself as a very ‘hands-on’ physician and with my osteopathic training I can help patients deal with a wide range of issues,” he explains.

When working with his patients, Dr. Smith believes strongly in shared decision-making. “I always make a point to partner with my patients. My role really is to educate them so they can make an informed decision about their own care.” When it comes to dietary recommendations for patients, Dr. Smith always takes his patients’ culture and financial status into account. “I don’t think it’s realistic to assume that everyone can afford grass-fed beef and organic vegetables each day,” he explains. “So I tell my patients simple ways they can eat healthier such as buying groceries in the outside aisles of the supermarket where fresher and healthier foods are more likely to be found.”

One of the reasons Dr. Smith enjoys practicing at Reliant is being able to offer his patients so many key services. “If I am concerned about something I see, I can send the patient downstairs for an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Having services like this right in the building not only makes it more convenient for the patient, it allows me to learn critical details about their condition the very same day.”

During his free time Dr. Smith enjoys exploring local restaurants, watching anime, spending time with his family, and playing golf.