“I have six kids, and I think that personal experience is so valuable in providing care to children and their families.”
As a father of six, Dr. David Mathias
combines his medical knowledge with
a wealth of personal experience in his
approach to pediatric care. When he began
medical school, he wasn’t sure which
specialty he was interested in, but that
changed during his first pediatrics rotation.
“There was a young girl I took care of
who was going through some tough
circumstances, but she was always brighteyed
and happy. After that rotation, I
thought, ‘I have to do this. Pediatrics is
what I need to do forever,’” Dr. Mathias said.
Dr. Mathias believes creating lasting
relationships with children and families will
lead to better continuity of care and help give him a deeper understanding of his patients’ needs.
“Long-term relationships with patients help doctors see the whole picture of who that person is and how to put together a plan of care for that person,” Dr. Mathias said. He added that open communication between he and his patients is key in providing top-level care.
Dr. Mathias earned his medical degree at University of Michigan Medical School and completed his pediatrics residency at Madigan Army Medical Center. He served in the U.S. Army for seven years, including time as a battalion surgeon during Operation Iraqi Freedom II, from 2004-2005.
In his free time, Dr. Mathias likes to backpack and hike. He also competes in triathlons and enjoys running with his two oldest sons. Having six children, four boys and two girls, keeps Dr. Mathias and his wife busy, and, as he joked, “It keeps me out of trouble.”
His youngest daughter was adopted from China, which has made adoption and foster care added clinical interests for Dr. Mathias.