Matt participates in a falconry demonstration in Scotland.
Matthew J. Wolf, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and recruited to UVA in 2015 from Duke, directs CV’s cardiovascular genetics program. At Duke, Dr. Wolf developed a clinic for patients with inherited heart diseases, and researched the molecular causes of heart failure. His research continues to focus on the genetic causes of cardiomyopathy, with the hope of developing new treatments for patients with heart failure.
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, the oldest of four children. I went to Washington University in St. Louis as an undergraduate and found that I really enjoyed science, so I applied to the Medical Scientist Training Program there. After completing an MD/PhD at Wash U, I went to Duke for a residency in internal medicine and a cardiology fellowship, after which I joined Duke’s faculty. Here at UVA, I have a research laboratory and see patients in cardiovascular genetics. I live in Albemarle County with my wife; we met when I was an intern and she was the pharmacist for the lung transplant service at Duke.
Matt discusses cardiomyopathy on nbc29’s “Housecall.”
Why medicine? Cardiovascular medicine?
I’ve always liked science, and was fascinated by medicine. My lab work in graduate school focused on advancing the understanding of cardiovascular disease, so cardiology was a natural fit. Cardiovascular medicine encompasses multiple disciplines, including physiology, developmental biology, molecular biology, genetics and pharmacology.
What brought you to UVA?
UVA has an excellent tradition of scientific research, community, and patient care. When I was offered a job at UVA, I knew that accepting it would be a great opportunity. The ability to collaborate with colleagues from several different departments and to work with the housestaff and graduate students is outstanding.
Matt Wolf and his wife Diane in Florida.
Proudest achievement outside the professional realm?
My proudest achievement in all realms is my marriage. My wife Diane is my best friend, very supportive, and one of the most fascinating people that I have ever met.
What are you usually doing in your spare time?
I enjoy cooking, hiking, and reading. I also enjoy traveling when I can find the time.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I wish I was musically inclined so that I could learn how to play the guitar and other instruments. I also wish I could speak different languages.
What’s one thing you always have in your fridge?
Tomatoes!
Where did you go on your last vacation?
Disney World in Orlando with Diane and my parents. My wife always wanted to visit the Magic Kingdom and see Cinderella’s castle.
What/who inspires you?
Trying to figure out how things work. And the courage of my patients, who often suffer from very debilitating conditions yet remain positive, hopeful, and determined to get better.
Words to live by?
Watch the video! https://youtu.be/LstIgtkEe50
I have two quotes that I really like:
“Chance Favors the prepared mind.” – Louis Pasteur
“Why do we fall?…So we can learn to pick ourselves up.” – Alfred (Batman’s butler)
What about you would surprise us?
I know how to square dance. My neighbors invited my wife and I to attend their weekly square dancing club; I said I would go and watch. But, turns out that they were very persuasive and I joined and took some lessons. It is sort of like a chess game where you are consistently moving in a group of eight people trying to follow the instructions of the caller.
Filed Under: News and Notes
Tags: Cardiology