Improving human life and wellbeing through Health, Innovation & Compassion.
A Global Leader in Advancing Health and Accelerating Cures
Robin L. Smith, MD, MBA, is an internationally recognized physician, entrepreneur, and global health advocate dedicated to transforming the future of medicine. As Chairman, and President of Cura Foundation, she leads one of the world’s most influential nonprofit organizations focused on improving human health, reducing suffering, and accelerating the development of effective cures.
Dr. Smith has built a global reputation for bringing together leaders across science, medicine, philanthropy, technology, industry, ethics, and policy to collaborate on solutions for humanity’s most pressing health challenges.
Under Dr. Smith’s direction, The Cura Foundation has become a central convener in the global health landscape. Cura is widely known for hosting the Vatican’s landmark Unite to Cure, Unite to Prevent, and related conferences—historic gatherings that unite Nobel laureates, pioneering researchers, clinicians, global CEOs, investors, patient advocates, and faith leaders.
These international forums focus on accelerating breakthroughs in:
Regenerative medicine, cell and gene therapy
Longevity science and preventive medicine
AI and digital innovation in healthcare
Rare diseases and precision therapeutics
Global wellness, mental health, and public health access
Ethical and responsible pathways for medical advancement
Dr. Smith has positioned Cura as a trusted, nonsectarian partner working across borders, sectors, and disciplines to advance medical progress.
A pioneer in translating scientific discoveries into practical therapeutic solutions, Dr. Smith has founded, chaired, or advised numerous companies in:
Biotechnology
Regenerative medicine
Medical devices and diagnostics
Digital health
Life science commercialization
Her leadership spans strategy, clinical development, innovation governance, and impactful public–private partnerships.
She has founded multiple companies and served in several executive positions, board of directors and advisory roles in regenerative medicine, AI-driven health technologies, and precision therapeutics
Dr. Smith is recognized globally for her ability to translate breakthrough science into solutions that reach patients faster.
Dr. Smith is co-author of The Healing Cell, a foundational resource explaining the promise of stem cell therapies and Cells are the New Cure a case by case guide to emerging regenerative medicine therapies.
She is a frequent contributor to major media outlets and scientific platforms, speaking on:
Medical innovation and regenerative technologies
The future of global health
Ethical considerations in biotechnology
AI and digital transformation in medicine
Patient-centric innovation and health equity
Her work continues to shape public understanding and advance meaningful conversations across science, policy, and thought leadership.
Dr. Smith holds distinguished academic credentials including:
B.A. Yale College, Yale University, New Haven, CT
Her education reflects a rare combination of medical expertise, business acumen, and systems-level vision.
Regenerative Medicine Foundation (RMF) 2019
Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Action Award for International Diplomacy in 2019 and the 2018 HEALinc Future Health Humanitarian Award
the Business Intelligence Group’s Woman of the Year Award in 2018 and the 2018 Gold Stevie® Award for Woman of the Year—Government or Non-Profit.
Pope Francis conferred Dr. Smith as Dame Commander with Star of The Pontifical Equestrian Order of Saint Sylvester Pope and Martyr in 2016
Lifetime Achievement in Healthcare and Science Award by The National Museum of Catholic Art and Library in 2017
Across all of her roles, Dr. Smith’s mission remains constant:
to build a global movement that accelerates cures, uplifts patients, and advances a more hopeful, equitable, and innovative future for human health.
Through The Cura Foundation, she continues to lead transformative collaborations that bring the world’s brightest minds together—turning possibility into progress and science into solutions for all.
Cura brings together science, medicine, faith and philanthropy to advance health, innovation and compassion worldwide. Our programs prevent illness, accelerate new treatments and deliver practical help to those facing hardship. From global convenings to high-reach public health campaigns, Cura has created meaningful, measurable improvements in human wellbeing.