Matthew Nwaneri, MD

Practice philosophy: Have hope and have a plan - Continuing belief in the resilience of the human spirit.

What are you passionate about and why? I strive to improve the status quo wherever I go. I know every organization is capable of providing world-class valued based cancer care to all patients and reducing disparities; even in the face of limited resources. With cutting-edge research, we will see continuously improved outcomes for all.

If you weren't a health care provider, what would you be? An architect or accountant.

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? My training exposed me to oncology and to many discoveries being made via cutting-edge research. The past 30 years have shown leaps in disease understanding, new drugs, and outcomes in oncology.

What is something you have learned from your patients? Humility and resilience in the human spirit. I, therefore, strive to make patients/families understand that there is much more to life than their diagnoses/issues bringing them to my clinic.

What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy? And why? I enjoy analyzing systems and engaging in problem-solving. In health care, this entails trying to achieve the best value-based outcomes for patients/families in the face of many competing needs.

What is your personal health goal? Be appreciative of my achievements and be happy.

What is the best thing you've done for your health or the best health advice you've received? Incorporating my relaxation, vacation times, and time with family into my ongoing work life. There is unlikely to be a time when you can do it all. One never knows when something serious may occur.

What are you most proud of? My son, Ndubuisi (ND), and my wife, Ngozi - are two remarkable human beings who I have the luck and blessing to be associated with.

What are a few of your personal achievements? National service in rural Nigeria in 1991-1992, input on sickle cell care in Minnesota, setting up a cancer program in Lagos, Nigeria 2014-2016, and impacting rural oncology care in Iowa since 2016.