September Physician Spotlight: Matthew O'Sullivan, MD

Who or what inspired you to become a physician?
My path toward medicine began in the laboratory. I had never considered a career in medicine until halfway through my doctoral research in neuroscience.  I worked alongside several MD-PhD students, and their interest in both patient care and patient-motivated research intrigued me. Over time, I realized I wanted not only to contribute to science but also to serve individuals directly as a clinician. I decided to pursue medical school after my PhD. I later moved away from direct involvement in laboratory science but value the framework it gave me as a physician.

Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career.
In vitreoretinal surgery, we often face high-stakes situations where outcomes can mean the difference between functional independence and life-changing blindness. One of the most meaningful experiences in my career has been treating patients who have lost vision in one eye from a prior retinal detachment and are at risk of losing sight in the other.  Patients who have suffered a poor outcome in one eye are understandably fearful their other eye might stake a similar course.  Preserving vision in these cases is critical and successful surgery is transformative. Helping patients navigate through the fear and uncertainty retinal detachment surgery and reaching an outcome that preserves their ability to live independently has been among the most rewarding aspects of my career.

What led you to become involved in the El Paso County Medical Society?
My family and I are new to Colorado Springs, and we are eager to build strong connections here. For me, joining the El Paso County Medical Society is an important step in becoming part of the professional community, while also deepening our family’s ties to the region. It offers an opportunity to connect with colleagues and contribute to the local medical landscape.

What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?
Although I’m still only a few years into my independent practice, I’ve come to appreciate how important it is to truly enjoy the day-to-day work of medicine. The financial, political, and logistical landscape will change over a decades-long career.  I find the core work of my specialty  meaningful and fulfilling, which I hope will help me through the inevitable ups and downs. My advice is to choose a field that excites you and hold onto that sense of purpose through the challenges and obstacles that arise.

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?
One of the joys of moving to Colorado has been exploring the outdoors with my wife Holly and our three boys. We’re working on building healthy, active habits as a family, starting with hiking. Some of our favorite new local spots include Red Rock Canyon and Spruce Mountain. The kids especially love reaching the vantage point on Spruce 

Mountain, where they can watch the freight trains passing below. Those shared outdoor experiences have become a wonderful way to bond as a family while settling into our new home.