Darren Smith

Respiratory Scientist

Bachelor Science 1996

Master of Science in Clinical Physiology 1999

Darren Smith knows what it’s like to fight for his life.

Two brushes with death as a youngster were the dramatic low points in his frequent battles with multiple pneumonias, collapsed lungs and severe asthma, that led him to lengthy stints in the Royal Brisbane Hospital. But with perseverance, Darren overcame his health battles.

Although he wasn’t at first certain on what career he wanted to pursue after university, Darren knew it would involve science, and the Bachelor of Science and Masters at Griffith University gave him the ideal basis to start from. Darren has been a respiratory scientist for more than 20 years and is a senior respiratory scientist at Sunshine Coast University Hospital. He is passionate about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and specialises in the treatment of respiratory ailments. He is a member of the Indigenous Respiratory Outreach Care team and through the program has provided expert advice at outreach clinics, including Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. Darren has also provided spirometry training to Aboriginal and Torres Strait health workers, including healthcare workers in East Arnhem Land.

His commitment to training the next generation of respiratory scientists is evident, having been responsible for the clinical supervision of 43 students on university placement and mentoring many of these students throughout their careers.