Matthew Joseph, MD

	Joined May, 2003 Department: Family Medicine Services [Map] Title: Physician Degree: MD Interests: Running, Writing, Amateur Movie Making, Spending Time with My Family! Languages: Spanish Physician Homepage
Bio I arrived at Kaiser Permanente after satisfying my wanderlust by working in places as varied as the South Island of New Zealand, a non-profit clinic in Pt Reyes, and a small private practice in Rohnert Park. Not to worry -- I intend to see out the rest of my career working for this truly impressive organization. (Having worked in as many places as I have, I can truly say that Kaiser Permanente is one of the best out there!) I love getting to focus on patient care, while having immediate access to excellent specialists. I received my undergraduate degree (BA in English Literature) from the University of Michigan, and my medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. I came to Santa Rosa for my residency training in Family Medicine. The transition from Cleveland to Santa Rosa was, without a doubt, the easiest move I've ever made.
My Medical Specialty
More details about my specialty: Family Medicine appeals to me because I am able to see both children and adults. After time, hopefully I get to know the entire family, with a deeper understanding of the dynamics that can shape someone's wellness (and illness...). Being a doctor means many things to me. Beyond the obvious intellectual challenges and stimulation, being a primary care doctor means getting to know people over time, forming relationships. One of the richest and most fulfilling aspects of this work is being allowed to hear and be witness to my patients' life stories. On my best days (not all of them, but more than a few), I get to the end of the day with more energy than I entered it, feeling like I can't believe they actually pay me to do something so rewarding. I have my patients to thank for that. Great health resources that I refer to: aafp.org American Family Physician
Interests
While working in New Zealand, I wrote, produced, directed and edited a feature length movie using local cast and crew in the remote town where I was stationed. I even hired a local musician to record an original score. Several people have told me they think it's good. I think it's "watchable"-- which I'm pretty proud of! Great movie: Before Sunset, The Upside of Anger, Hellboy	Hobby Photos & Links: My favorite toy
Family & Friends
People in my life: My wife is an English teacher and cross country/track coach at Santa Rosa High School. My children and people I care about: My daughter is a pale, flaming red-head with a joyful temperament who is happiest when running around naked.
My pets: Tess - a pure-bred Humane Society dog (aren't they all Lab-Shepard mixes??)	Pet Photos: Tess
Travel
An adventure I've had: Living and working for a year in a small town in a remote corner of the South Island of New Zealand. We were very isolated, and had to deal with everything that walked in the door-- from horrible fractures to fish-hooks in the nose to collapsed lungs to premature labor. The people were incredibly friendly, if a little on the insular side. We also traveled around the entire country during our brief spare time. Stunning, magnificent. Just watch Lord of the Rings to get an idea. Favorite place in the world: New Zealand. See above. One of my recent trips: Recently went to spend a week with family in Cape Cod. Learned that a small cabin on the beach isn't big enough when you have to share your bedroom with your 2 year old daughter...	Travel Photos: Mount Cook, New Zealand Trip Photos: A picture from our Cape Cod trip