Matthew Smith, MD, PhD joined the Abdominal Imaging and Intervention section as an assistant professor (CHS) in 2024.
He obtained his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering and PhD in medical physics from University of Wisconsin–Madison. Following post-doctoral research and position as a software engineer for a startup company, he obtained his medical degree from UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Smith completed his Diagnostic Radiology residency and fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center before returning to Wisconsin.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Milwaukee, WI.
Why did you choose radiology?
In high school, I was drawn to medical imaging as a technology following a presentation by two GE employees. After learning the technical aspects of radiology in engineering and graduate school, it was my post-doc experience under a UW radiologist that inspired me to combine my expertise with clinical training.
What are your career interests and goals?
Both my parents and both my in-laws are teachers. Teaching/education is part of me and fundamental to my career path. I see teaching as a privilege to help others grow in their knowledge.
What are your professional interests?
I live for brainstorming sessions that create solutions with medical imaging. This may be to aid in clinical decision making or gain a deeper understanding of disease processes. I am most interested in developing new imaging techniques and validating them in a preclinical as well as clinical context.
Why did you choose to work at UW–Madison?
I have always felt at home in an academic setting and have strong ties to UW–Madison through much of my prior education and training (undergrad, graduate, medical school). UW has an incredible reputation for clinical care of its patients, its training program, and cutting-edge research. The Abdominal Imaging section in particular has a great mix of expertise and colleagues at different levels of their career, which is important to me for career mentorship. I look forward to growing my career here with their inspiration and support.
What are your hobbies?
My free time is largely taken up by driving four children to their activities. In our free time, we enjoy movies, high school or collegiate sporting events, and going out to eat (outvoted many times ending up at Culver’s which we missed while we lived in Nashville). We also enjoy rooting for Wisconsin sports. Several times a year we spend time at a family cabin outside of Minocqua, WI.