Sam Matz
M.D.
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
College: Excelsior College, N.Y.; Portland State University, Ore.
Medical School: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
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Medical Interests: Wilderness medicine, emergency medicine, quality improvement in medicine.
Outside Interests: Kite surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing, and loads of hiking. I live for morning coffee on overnight backpacking trips
Life before Medicine: I took the long road to medicine, starting out working odd jobs after high school and later joining the Navy to serve as a nuclear reactor operator and Navy diver aboard a fast attack submarine. I have been to the North Pole and dove the “Mighty Mo” where the WWII peace agreement was signed. I later spent several years working in the engineering department helping to manufacture biopharmaceuticals before succumbing to my growing passion in wilderness medicine and pre-hospital care as a wilderness EMT.
Favorite Music: I grew up on a massive dose of Creedence Clearwater Revival and the B-52’s, classic rock, and the pop music of the late 90’s. Most of my Spotify playlist is an eclectic mix of “boots and cats,” classic rock, and delightful 90’s and 00’s pop hits.
Favorite Movies: I have watched “Big Trouble in Little China” and “The Shawshank Redemption” more than any one human should. I love sci-fi and feel that “Battlestar Galactica” is one of the best series of all time. I go against the grain and feel that Janeway was a better captain over Picard.
Why you chose MFMR: The Family Medicine program in Billings was love at first sight for me. They have one of the best wilderness medicine programs around, a kind and respectful faculty, and a nationally renowned family medicine program. Though not from Montana, many of the best people I have ever met have roots here. I could not be more grateful to provide care to the wonderful people of Montana.
