Meet the Team: Shelby Smoak, Ph.D.


Shelby Smoak is a tireless advocate for patients with chronic health conditions. In the 90s, his experience living with a bleeding disorder and HIV led him to become actively involved in advocacy, especially as it pertains to the ever­-changing dynamics of healthcare.


Shelby helps others understand complicated health policy and serves as a voice for patients with rare conditions across the nation. He’s been featured on TV and radio, including NPR. Shelby served on the board for Hemophilia Association of the Capitol Area and currently serves on the Pfizer B2B board.

A former literature professor, Shelby is also a writer and a musician. Awarded a Pen/American grant for writers living with HIV, Smoak holds a Ph.D. in Literature and an MA in English. His book, Bleeder: A Memoir received praise from sources as diverse as The Minneapolis Star Tribune, Library Journal, and Glamour, and has won several awards, including Best of the Best by the American Library Association.


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