With over 15 years of clinical expertise and more than a decade of leadership in the pharmaceutical and diagnostic industry, Dr. Matthew Smollin has established himself as an influential force in medical affairs, clinical research, and strategic healthcare innovation. His career is defined by a steadfast commitment to advancing medical science, fostering key opinion leader (KOL) relationships, and guiding organizations through complex regulatory and clinical landscapes.
As Vice President of Medical Affairs at Karius, Inc., Dr. Smollin leads a dynamic team of internal medical professionals and field-based Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), driving the company’s medical and scientific strategy. His role encompasses medical and scientific contributions to innovation, new product development, clinical evidence generation, patient safety, and quality initiatives. Under his leadership, Karius has successfully navigated critical regulatory processes, including an FDA breakthrough device designation and a Medicare (MolDx) limited coverage determination (LCD) submission.
Dr. Smollin’s expertise spans the full spectrum of medical affairs functions, including clinical trial design and execution, publication strategy, and scientific engagement. He has conducted and overseen Phase I-III trials, led investigator-initiated study (IIS) programs, and contributed to peer-reviewed abstracts, posters, and manuscripts. Additionally, he has played a key role in developing scientific clearance policies, managing conference presentations, and ensuring medical accuracy in promotional materials.
As Senior Director and Director of Medical and Scientific Affairs at Karius, Dr. Smollin was instrumental in shaping the company’s medical publications strategy and scientific communications framework. Prior to that, he served as Medical Education Liaison Manager at BioFire Diagnostics (a subsidiary of bioMérieux), where he recruited, trained, and managed a high-performing team of medical professionals while developing innovative training programs and strategic educational initiatives.
His background also includes roles in medical affairs at Quintiles, clinical research leadership at CRI Lifetree (now PRA HealthSciences), and pharmacy management at Trinity Medical Pharmacy. Throughout his career, Dr. Smollin has demonstrated an exceptional ability to bridge the gap between clinical practice and industry advancements, ensuring that groundbreaking medical technologies translate into real-world clinical benefits.
A respected speaker and thought leader, Dr. Smollin has presented at numerous national and international conferences, including IDWeek, ECCMID, and the World Microbe Forum. His contributions to the field of infectious disease diagnostics and molecular testing have been instrumental in shaping industry best practices and advancing the clinical utility of next-generation sequencing technologies.
Dr. Smollin holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Albany College of Pharmacy and maintains active pharmacist licensure in Florida. He is a member of professional organizations such as the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA), Making A Difference in Infectious Diseases (MAD-ID), and the American Pharmacist Association (APhA). His numerous clinical trial contributions further cement his reputation as a leader in medical affairs and clinical research.
Driven by a passion for scientific excellence and patient-centered innovation, Dr. Smollin continues to shape the future of medical affairs, pioneering new approaches in diagnostics, regulatory strategy, and clinical evidence generation. His strategic leadership and commitment to advancing healthcare solutions make him a vital asset in the evolving landscape of precision medicine and infectious disease diagnostics.
Character
Matthew Smollin is a dedicated and principled leader whose integrity, resilience, and commitment to scientific excellence have defined his career in medical affairs and clinical innovation.
Knowledge
With over 15 years of clinical experience and deep expertise in regulatory strategy, clinical trial design, and molecular diagnostics, Matthew Smollin possesses a vast and comprehensive understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape.
Strategic
Matthew Smollin excels in developing and executing forward-thinking medical affairs strategies, successfully leading teams, managing regulatory submissions, and fostering collaborations that drive organizational growth and innovation.
Communication
A skilled communicator with exceptional presentation abilities, Matthew Smollin effectively translates complex medical concepts into actionable insights, engages with key opinion leaders, and delivers impactful scientific discourse at national and international conferences.
