As a 3-sport athlete at Gannon, Jason Smith learned to distinguish himself by working hard. He credits Don Sherman, then swimming and diving coach, with instilling in him the desire to work harder than everyone else on the team. Smith still feels compelled to do that professionally and this work ethic has served him well.
Dr. Smith is currently the Medical Director of Sports Medicine and a Physician at Mercy Health in Toledo, Ohio. He directs the largest sports medicine program in his area and works with over 40 high schools, colleges and organizations in his role as a sports medicine physician. He also sees patients on a daily basis who have varying degrees of musculoskeletal problems. A Fellow of the American Academy of Sports Medicine, Smith also received the Crystal Apple Award in Teaching from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. As a medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Smith was awarded the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine’s prestigious Student Meritorious Service Award, which recognizes those students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to sports medicine throughout medical school.
Athletically, Smith was a member of the men’s water polo team and the cross country team. In fact, one of his favorite memories from his time at Gannon is that the water polo team beat Mercyhurst every time. Outside of sports, he was involved with the Honor’s Program and the Delta Chi fraternity. Another strong memory for Smith was studying in the old corner study rooms of the Nash Library.
Smith credits Gannon with giving him the education and preparation needed to take the next steps in his career. He continues to use his exercise and physiology background today and his experiences in sports have helped him as he relates to higher level athletes on a daily basis.
Married to his wife, Brianna, for over eight years, Smith is now the proud father of three children – Bryn (5), Summer (3) and Blaise (1). He spends most of his free time with his wife and children, but does enjoy getting away for some fly fishing and golf on occasion.
Lastly, Smith is proud to be a second generation Gannon Alumnus. His father, Gary Smith ’77, also attended Gannon and they have a number of cousins and other relatives who are also alumni. Go Knights!
(published March 2019)