About Michael Smith, PharmD, BCPS

Michael Smith is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacist in Pain and Palliative Care at Michigan Medicine. Dr. Smith received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed a pharmacy practice and internal medicine specialty residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is a preceptor of the Pharmacy Residency Programs at Michigan Medicine. He is also a board certified specialist in pharmacotherapy.

What You'll Learn

• How opioids are classified
 
• How opioid receptors work
 
• The concept of pain as a fifth vital sign
 
• The recent history of pain treatment through medication
 
• The supply dynamics that have led to an opioid surplus
 
• Why over the counter pain medications aren’t as addictive as opioids
 
• What patients should be aware of when prescribed opioids
 
• What practices physicians should adopt to minimize the overall amount of opioid prescriptions