Matthew Furst, MD

Hello, my name is Dr. Matthew Furst. I received my medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. During my time as a medical student, I was drawn to Pediatrics by my observation of the special connection children could form with their physicians and the particular care and dedication I saw within the field. While at the St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia for my residency, I became further interested in the field of Cardiology. I found it fascinating how congenital heart disease was diagnosed and treated. Cardiology basically comes down to the physics of fluid dynamics and electricity and these were subjects I had always excelled in. Thus, my next step in training was a fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital in Ohio.

While in fellowship, I had a particular interest in electrophysiology and so I worked with my mentor at the time to publish an extensive review of the evolution of sports participation guidelines and the influence of genotype-phenotype correlation in Long QT Syndrome. I also published an article on lone atrial fibrillation that assessed the efficacy of traditional catheter ablation techniques when performed on pediatric patients. Ultimately, I decided to become a general pediatric cardiologist so that I could act as a first line provider for children in which there is a concern for a cardiac problem. In this capacity, I have developed a particular interest in exercise physiology and am currently obtaining a masters degree from UF department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. I currently work in our department’s exercise lab and am in charge of administering and interpreting the exercise tests performed on patients with exercise-induced symptoms, congenital heart disease, and heart failure. I have particular interest in cardiac rehabilitation and the effects of abnormal cardiac circulation, such as in single ventricle patients, on exercise parameters and am pursuing research in these areas. I am also interested in assessment tools that may be used to better determine patient’s functional capacity in multiple areas such as strength, flexibility, and balance.

When not in the hospital, I enjoy spending time with my two boys and wife. I am an avid tennis player. I also have a particular interest in writing fiction, particularly on vintage typewriters, which I have restored myself. I also enjoy listening to music, especially in the form or records, which I have been collecting over the last few years.