Dr. Smolensky earned his bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois. His training and expertise focus on the areas of chronobiology (biological rhythms) and the environmental, and medical sciences. For 37 years he was Professor of Environmental Physiology in the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health and was affiliated with the Sleep and Pulmonary Medicine Division of the University Texas-Houston School of Medicine. Currently he is Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, Visiting Professor at University of Houston School of Pharmacy, Consultant to the Sleep Medicine Fellows Program McGovern School of Medicine, University Texas-Houston Health Science Center, and President of the American Association for Medical Chronobiology and Chronotherapeutics. He is also a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biomedical Engineering.
Dr. Smolensky is a leader in the field of medical chronobiology. He founded and for 10 years directed the Memorial-Hermann Center for Chronobiology and Chronotherapeutics in Houston — the first polyclinic to incorporate biological rhythm methods to diagnose and treat disease. He was founder and long-time co-editor of both Chronobiology International and the Annual Review of Chronopharmacology. He has organized or co-organized 10 international biological rhythm conferences.
Dr. Smolensky is the author or co-author of more than 365 scientific and clinical journal articles and book chapters, books, and continuing education monographs for physicians, pharmacists, and academic scientists. He is also co-author with Lynne Lamberg of the popular book, The Body Clock Guide to Better Health.
Dr. Smolensky is best known for his research on the chronobiology and chronotherapy of hypertension, heart disease, pulmonary disorders, and sleep; he is also expert on the health effects of shift work and light at night exposure. He has served as a consultant and advisor to governmental agencies in the USA and abroad.
Learning Points:
- What is the clinical definition of high blood pressure?
- Does blood pressure exhibit predictable circadian rhythm?
- Is there an optimal time to take blood pressure medication?