Very few Sleep Medicine centers in the United States have a tradition of dedication to excellence that matches what we have accomplished here at the Ohio Sleep Medicine Institute (OSMI). The late Helmut S. Schmidt, M.D., one of the founding fathers of Sleep Medicine, was the original founder of our sleep disorders center. Prior to establishing the Ohio Sleep Medicine Institute, he developed and ran the national examination process for physicians to become board certified in Sleep Medicine. After ten years of running the national examination process, he became the first president of the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM). He was also the founder of the sleep center at the Ohio State University before starting the Ohio Sleep Medicine Institute. He defined the standards of patient care in Sleep Medicine and was instrumental in getting “Sleep Medicine” recognized as a designated medical specialty by the American Medical Association (AMA). Dr. Helmut Schmidt’s contribution to the field of Sleep Medicine has been extraordinary.
Dr. Markus Schmidt, current medical director of our sleep disorders center, has followed in his father’s footsteps regarding excellence and dedication to sleep medicine care. "Doing it right" has always been a core value. Dr. Markus Schmidt began reading polysomnograms at age 16 under the supervision of his father, working as a sleep technician during “summer vacations”, possibly making him one of the youngest to have ever been trained to read these complex physiological recordings at such a young age. In addition to obtaining his medical degree and subspecialty in neurology, Dr. Markus Schmidt completed his doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in neuroscience and studied under the direction of the world renowned sleep researcher Michel Jouvet, M.D. who discovered many of the underlying neural mechanisms of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, also known as dream sleep. His research with Dr. Jouvet has led to many publications in some of the most prestigious sleep and neuroscience journals.
At the Ohio Sleep Medicine Institute, we take pride in our work and are passionate about the field of Sleep Medicine. This can be seen in our work ethic as when we take the time to meet with each of our patients and listen to their concerns. We have always taken a comprehensive approach in managing care and have strived to exceed the highest standards.
