New faculty Q&A with Matthew Brunner, MD
Matthew Brunner, MD
Assistant Professor
Hematology, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care
What is your primary professional focus as it relates to our mission areas (clinical, research and/or medical education)?
Clinical areas: multiple myeloma, stem cell transplant and cellular therapy. Academic: education, informatics.
What drew you to UW–Madison and the Department of Medicine?
I did my residency, chief residency and fellowship here. My wife has also been a doctor here for the same span of time. We just really like the people at UW, and Madison is a fun, outdoorsy place to live.
What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?
Having more independence!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Spending time with my wife and kids, running and hiking.
Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
It’s a line from [the movie] The Big Lebowski: "You're not wrong, you're just an asshole." Medicine valorizes memorization and knowledge, but it's hard to be an effective clinician if no one wants to work with you.