General Info

Dr. Smolen is a certified Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with special qualification in addiction psychiatry. Before coming to the UF Health Florida Recovery Center in 2012, Smolen was a solo practitioner in addiction and general psychiatry in Bradenton, Fla., where he specialized in pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. He facilitated an intensive outpatient program for people with substance use disorders. He also worked as a consultant on the crisis stabilization and detoxification unit of Manatee Memorial Hospital.Dr. Smolen is a nationally recognized forensic evaluator of professionals referred from physician's health programs in many states throughout the country. He also performs evaluations for the Florida Professionals Resource Network, Intervention Project for Nurses, Florida Department of Health and Florida Cares. Dr. Smolen is the associate director of the UF Health Florida Recovery Center. He is also the director of dual diagnosis and treats co-occurring psychiatric disorders. He has a special interest working with collegiate and professional athletes affected by addictions.Dr. Smolen works closely with the UF Health Florida Recovery Center treatment team, devoted to the evaluation and treatment of addiction and psychiatric disorders. The center has become renowned for the comprehensive care that is offered for healthcare professionals. Dr. Smolen is an expert in overseeing successful completion of treatment for healthcare professionals and assisting in their return to the safe practice of skilled nursing and medicine. He also operates a busy outpatient practice. He enjoys teaching UF medical students and provides advanced training and mentoring for addiction medicine fellows. He gives presentations on a variety of topics, including the neuroscience of addiction, substance use on college campuses and the spiritual aspects of recovery. His first novel, Hooked, was published in 2011 and illustrates how easily addiction can take over a young person's life. It also details the essential steps to achieve sobriety and recovery. Dr. Smolen has also posted addiction and recovery related blog articles on the UF Health Florida Recovery Center website and other media sources, including The Conversation, Sober World and The Gainesville Sun.