Matthew B. Fletcher, M.D., pediatric hematologist and oncologist, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology–Medical City Dallas Pediatric Hematology–Oncology. Dr. Fletcher discusses the importance of establishing a relationship with your pediatrician and what he's looking forward to most about living in Texas.
1) Did you always know you wanted to be a doctor, specifically specializing in pediatric cancer care?
While I've wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember, I didn't know that I wanted to be a pediatric oncologist until late in my medical training. After I had the privilege of caring for some amazing children with cancer, I realized that it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my career. The patient-physician bond developed between a child and their oncologist is special, as are the long-term relationships we form with our patients and their families. It's also a field that is seeing exciting, rapid advances in therapeutic options.
2) What amazes you about the young patients you've worked with?
Kids are incredibly resilient and they keep on being kids even when faced with challenging circumstances. They have taught me a lot about how to approach life.
3) What do you think the future of pediatric cancer treatment will look like?
It's an exciting time to be a pediatric oncologist! Incredible new technologies such as cellular therapy, immunotherapy, and molecularly targeted drugs are emerging and providing new options for diseases that have historically been difficult to treat. While many of these technologies are still in their early stages of development, they represent the future of where our field is heading.
4) If you could tell parents and/or caregivers of pediatric patients one thing, what would it be?
Establish and maintain a good relationship with your pediatrician. Our community pediatricians are an incredible resource, and having a physician who knows your child's case well can be key to spotting small problems and treating them early.
5) What is one thing most people don't know about you (hidden talent, hobbies, etc.)?
I love playing guitar and singing and was in an acapella group when I was younger. I spend lots of time coaching and cheering on my four kids in baseball, basketball, and flag football. I also enjoy playing and collecting board games with my kids as well as other gamers.
6) If you weren't a doctor, what would you be and why?
I would love to run a restaurant, although I know it's much more stressful than they show on TV! I enjoy cooking for family and friends because it allows me to relax and spend time with my loved ones.
7) What are you looking forward to most about living in Texas?
While I will miss the amazing food and culture of New Orleans, I'm looking forward to being in a vibrant, diverse, and thriving community with great food, great people, and lots of opportunities for my children and myself. Dallas seems to offer anything you could possibly want to do or experience, and we can't wait to start getting involved in the community.