Meet Ryan Smith, MD – Longevity Medicine and Hyperbaric Therapy Specialist
Dr. Ryan Smith joined Better Life Carolinas in August 2022, bringing extensive clinical experience and a growing focus on longevity and precision medicine. Originally from the Atlanta area, Dr. Smith attended Emory University before relocating to Minnesota, where he spent nearly a decade completing medical school and residency training at the Mayo Clinic. He specialized in anesthesiology and built a strong foundation in critical care, physiology, and advanced clinical decision-making.
Following his residency training, Dr. Smith and his family moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he practiced anesthesiology for more than 15 years. During this time, he developed a deep appreciation for the role that preventative medicine, metabolic health, and long-term physiological optimization play in patient outcomes.
Having been a longtime patient of Dr. Mickey Barber, Dr. Smith became increasingly interested in the field of age-management medicine and the emerging strategies used to improve healthspan and long-term performance. That interest ultimately led him to transition into longevity medicine and join the Better Life Carolinas team.
Dr. Smith has received advanced training in age-management medicine through the Age Management Medicine Group, genomic interpretation training through IntellxxDNA, and certification in hyperbaric oxygen therapy through the International Board of Undersea Medicine. At Better Life Carolinas, he serves as the Medical Director for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy program and devotes a significant portion of his practice to the clinical interpretation of genomic testing and individualized treatment planning.
“I’ve been a client of Better Life Carolinas for years now, and the one thing that stands out to me is that, at Better Life Carolinas, they treat you like they truly care about you. It starts as soon as you walk in the door. I also enjoy the results we have achieved, which is I will continue to be a client.”
“I feel very blessed to have found Dr. Barber, Todd Fox and the rest of the Better Life team. Many of my friends are feeling the effects of aging and are often resigned to aches, pains, and a reduced quality of life. With the knowledge, experience and access to innovative testing and supplements from Better Life, I know I will continue to live my best life!”
“If I had not discovered this program and not joined this practice I would not be alive to enjoy the fruits of my labors of 42 years of a busy dental practice. Doctor Barber and staff not only saved my life but improved it so much that I feel better now than 15 years ago. I am living proof of her abilities. Thanks so much.”
Education & Training
Mayo Clinic
MD, Doctor of Medicine
Mayo Clinic
Residency, Anesthesiology
Certifications
Age Management Medicine Group (AMMG)
Advanced Training, Age Management Medicine
International Board of Undersea Medicine
Certification, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
IntellxxDNA
Advanced Training, Genomic Interpretation
Dr. Ryan Smith’s Areas of Expertise
Longevity and Age Management Medicine
Dr. Smith focuses on preventive and longevity-based medical strategies designed to optimize metabolic health, hormone balance, and long-term physiological performance. Through individualized diagnostics and treatment planning, he helps patients pursue improved healthspan, resilience, and sustained physical and cognitive vitality.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
As Medical Director of the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy program, Dr. Smith oversees the clinical use of HBOT to support tissue recovery, neurological function, and systemic healing. This therapy delivers concentrated oxygen under pressure to enhance cellular repair and support recovery protocols.
Genomic Interpretation and Precision Medicine
Dr. Smith dedicates a significant portion of his practice to the clinical interpretation of genomic testing. By evaluating genetic markers related to metabolism, inflammation, detoxification, and neurological health, he helps guide personalized medical strategies tailored to each patient’s unique biology.
Dr. Ryan Smith’s Treatment Philosophy
Dr. Ryan Smith believes that modern medicine should combine rigorous diagnostics with forward-thinking strategies that help patients optimize health before disease develops. His approach emphasizes personalized evaluation, genomic insight, and physician-directed treatment planning to help patients improve resilience, longevity, and overall performance as they age.