Get to Know Me
Dr. Matthew Boelig is a board-certified pediatric general surgeon with a broad clinical practice and an interest in minimally invasive surgery and surgical education. He is the associate program director for the pediatric surgery fellowship at Nemours/AIDHC and director of the surgical clerkship for medical students at Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children. He’s a Specialty Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a member of American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) and the International Pediatric Endosurgery Group (IPEG), and a fellow candidate of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
Why I Treat Children
As a pediatric surgeon, I believe I have the best job in the world. Caring for children is motivating and rewarding. I am fascinated by the ability of children to maintain resilience, hope and kindness of heart in the face of illness. Parents place a sacred trust in us to operate on and care for their children, and for that I am honored and grateful. I am also drawn to the extraordinary breadth of pediatric surgical care, which is unique in the profession of surgery. On any given day, I may care for a pre-term baby in our neonatal intensive care unit, fix an inguinal hernia in a toddler and treat a teenager who has sustained injuries in an accident.
What I'm Passionate About
Operating on the smallest of patients demands a high level of meticulousness and technique. I am interested in adapting minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy, thoracoscopy) to pediatric patients in such a way as to minimize pain and scars, to preserve function, and to promote a speedier recovery. I am also passionate about family-centered care and understanding the values and priorities of parents regarding the care of their child. My goal is to speak openly and honestly with parents, educate them on pediatric surgical disease and the options for care, and to build a plan together that best meets the needs of the patient and family. My medical interests include: minimally invasive thoracic/chest and abdominal surgery, including laparoscopy and thoracoscopy laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair newborn surgery pediatric surgical oncology (Wilm’s tumor, neuroblastoma) surgery for congenital lung lesions (CPAM, bronchopulmonary sequestration) congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) congenital abdominal wall defects (gastroschisis, omphalocele) counseling for fetal surgical anomalies extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) Hirschsprung disease anorectal malformations prenatal counseling medical/surgical education
Make A Difference
Every child is unique. I approach each and every patient with an open mind and a commitment to tailoring a surgical plan that fits the patient and family’s needs. I also strongly believe that pediatric surgeons are educators and need to be completely invested in training the next generation of pediatric surgeons. I try to make a difference by focusing much of my time and energy into teaching and training medical students, residents and our pediatric surgery fellow.
Education & Training
Fellowship
- Pediatric Surgery
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Program,
2019
- Clinical Research
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia,
2015
Internship Residency
General Surgery
- University of Pennsylvania Program,
2017
Medical/Dental School
MD
- Johns Hopkins University,
2010
Board Certifications
- American Board of Surgery/Pediatric Surgery
- American Board of Surgery
Awards & Recognition
2018Penn Pearl Teaching Award, Fellow Category, University of Pennsylvania