Michael Matthews, DO

Clinical Assistant Professor 
General Internal Medicine

What is your primary professional focus as it relates to our mission areas (clinical, research and/or medical education)?  
My primary professional focus includes clinical and research goals. Along with my training in internal medicine and primary care sports medicine, I have research experiences in aerospace medicine and have completed several research projects with NASA including a study on the utility of extended reality (XR) technologies for Earth Independent Medical Operations and the development of protocols to utilize manipulative medicine for common musculoskeletal conditions on the International Space Station. More immediately, I plan to continue this work and incorporate learners from the University of Wisconsin on future research projects utilizing novel XR tech for medical procedural training.

What drew you to UW–Madison and the Department of Medicine?   
Throughout my education, I was attracted to academic medicine. The city of Madison seemed like a wonderful place to combine that interest with a wonderful college town filled with an active population.

What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?  
People are the reason I was drawn to medicine and I am most excited to develop long-lasting, productive relationships with my patients, UW Health staff and colleagues. Furthermore, I am excited to bring skills learned in my osteopathic medical education and sports medicine training to offer procedures like US-guided joint injections and osteopathic manipulative treatment in our internal medicine clinic.  

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?  
Playing music (guitar and drums) and being active, of course! Walks/hikes in the local parks with my wife and goldendoodle (Arcanine), golfing with friends, running, cycling, swimming, and weightlifting. When I need to slow down, I may spend some time playing video games and reading (typically non-fiction).

Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?  
My passion for academic medicine began when I worked with Charles Mehlman of Cincinnati Children's Medical Center's Division of Pediatric Orthopedics. While working on a research project that needed some focus, Dr. Mehlman told me "A missile needs a target." I was flattered to be described as a missile, but this was a reminder to me that my energy needs to be harnessed and directed towards a concrete goal in order to be successful.