Matt Thompson, a WCAAP Trustee and member of the Chapter’s Practice Transformation committee, grew up in Spokane and attended Gonzaga University for undergrad and the University of Washington for Medical School. He completed his Pediatrics training at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Dr. Thompson and his wife have 6 children and are happy to be living back home in Spokane.
Dr. Thompson has been practicing general pediatrics in Spokane for the past 10 years, most of that time spent in a two-provider practice that he started with his good friend and colleague Jon Lee, MD. “I very much enjoy the autonomy of a small partner owned practice, and have found great challenge and satisfaction in being a small business owner,” says Dr. Thompson.
Beyond his commitment to the WCAAP and responsibilities as pediatrician, Dr. Thompson is a board member for the Smile 4 A Lifetime Foundation which provides free braces for qualifying children, and serves as a board member on the U-District Foundation to promote the health and well being of children through Fitness and Nutrition programs, camps, and mentorship programs. In addition, he works one day each month at the Benewah Medical Center in Plummer Idaho serving the Coeur d’Alene tribal community as a pediatrician.
Dr. Thompson adds that as an enthusiastic EMR user, he enjoys finding solutions for improving efficiency and work flow, utilizing the EMR as a tool and asset, rather than a barrier and burden. “Vaccine hesitancy and how it impacts timely and comprehensive vaccination is another special area of interest to me,” he says. “In addition to working with parents on the issue, I give talks to other health care providers about strategies to promote timely and comprehensive vaccination.”
Being a member of the WCAAP offers Dr. Thompson an opportunity to interact and collaborate with pediatrics colleagues with rich and varied backgrounds. “The WCAAP also allows me the opportunity to work with others throughout the state on advocacy issues, and other endeavors that promote the health and well being of children and their families,” he says.
Outside of work, you’ll often find Dr. Thompson bringing life and energy to local events through music. “I have a love of music, both live and recorded, and I also love to collect the instruments and equipment used to produce and reproduce music,” he says. “Along with that, as a father of six school-age children, I have had the opportunity to become a competent DJ. Their many dances, birthday parties and fund raising events have given my many occasions to hone my craft.”