Editor Spotlight: Dr. Matthew Breeggemann
Dr. Matthew C. Breeggemann is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Division of Nephrology at UCSF. His clinical focus is management and prevention of kidney stones, and he heads the UCSF Kidney Stone Prevention Clinic. Dr. Breeggemann is the Nephrology Deputy Editor at theMednet.
At a young age, Dr. Matthew Breeggemann knew he wanted to become a kidney specialist. He experienced several bouts of kidney stones and the physicians who cared for him - notably a Dr. Michael Mauer - became his role model. Matthew admired how Dr. Mauer picked up on his curiosity, even at such a young age, and taught him about kidney stone prevention and management at every visit. His mother, a nurse, also inspired him to pursue a career in medicine.
Later studies at Creighton University School of Medicine and training at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center exposed him to various medical specialties, but nephrology continued to resonate as his true calling.
“Nephrology is intellectually stimulating. It's such a cerebral field, with a focus on tackling challenging questions, all to help and support the sickest patients in the hospital,” said Dr. Breeggemann. “Nephrologists see some of the most medically complex cases. From a physiology and patient complexity standpoint, there's no better field.”
When Dr. Breeggemann was recruited to theMednet, there was no existing nephrology section. At that time, he was in the research phase of his fellowship training and recognized that theMednet would be an invaluable resource and guide as he established the kidney stone clinic. He had previously contributed to First Aid, a publisher of study materials for board exams.
In a bold career move, Dr. Breeggemann became co-director of UCSF's Kidney Stone Prevention Clinic immediately following his training in July 2023. In spearheading and pioneering the subspecialty clinic, he had to navigate challenges given the scarcity of individuals with an interest in the niche field of kidney stone disease. He sought advice from seasoned UCSF nephrologists, reached out to professionals from other institutions he had met over the years, consistently asked questions, and immersed himself in extensive research and literature, much like what he’s accustomed to at theMednet.
He notes that people living with recurring kidney stones are just looking for answers and he hopes that, over time, he is helping them.
He is active in his free time with weightlifting, biking, running, and golf, and relishes his passion for travel with recent trips to Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Jordan, Lebanon, and New Zealand.