Carolyn Michelle Matthews, MD
Gynecologic Oncology
Additional Locations
Bio & Overview
Carolyn Matthews, MD, is a gynecologic oncologist who oversees treatment for patients with uterine, ovarian, cervical, and other gynecologic cancers.
Before joining UVA Health in 2023, she spent 31 years in various roles at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, retiring as division director for gynecologic oncology in the summer of 2022.
She has a special interest in the role of nutrition, sleep, and exercise in preventing disease and optimizing health. She is certified in hospice and palliative medicine and functional medicine, and has been trained in integrative medicine and acupuncture. These areas of knowledge have helped her expand treatment options and improve the quality of life for her patients.
"I like to have as much information as possible about a patient — both from the patient and from their medical records — before offering treatment options," Dr. Matthews says. "It's also important to give the patient a recommendation from my perspective, which is informed by three decades of practice. However, the patient is the ultimate decision-maker."
Growing up with a parent in the Army, Dr. Matthews moved many times as a child. A family farm in Fauquier County became “home base.” Working for a veterinarian for six summers and one semester of college led to a love of medicine.
Dr. Matthews holds a bachelor's degree in English from Williams College. She completed medical school and her residency at what is now the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and her fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Awards
• 2018 Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics resident teaching award
• 1997 Excellence in Teaching Award, Parkland Memorial Hospital
• 1994 Outstanding Program Director, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, District VII
Organizational Memberships
• Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Full member, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists
• Institute of Functional Medicine
- Gender
- Female
- Languages
- English
- Age Groups Seen
- Adults (21-65)
Older Adults (65+)
- Primary Education
- Virginia Commonwealth University (then Medical College of Virginia)
- Residency
- VCU Medical College of virginia
- Fellowships
- University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Certification
- American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Obstetrics and Gynecology), American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Gynecologic Oncology), American Board of Internal Medicine (Hospice and Palliative Medicine)
Highlights
Meet Carolyn Matthews, MD
Hi, I'm Carolyn Matthews. I'm a gynecologic oncologist with UVA Health. I'm professionally passionate about the role of diet, exercise, and sleep, and well-being. Really, every time we eat, we're giving information to our genes about what genes to turn on and which genes to turn off. It's information for our genes and genetic expression. Every time we exercise, same thing. Every time we sleep, same thing. They all have profound effects on longterm health, and I think they can be helpful in cancer care as well. I think communication is extremely important between both me and my patients as well as my other colleagues. I try to be open with the patients and tell them what I think is going on, what I think their options for treatment are, what I think the best option for treatment is, and why. One of the reasons why I'm passionate about UVA Health, I really feel like we're making a difference in the community. I love that we have many clinical trials available down in Charlottesville. I love that patients with invasive cancer get presented at our Multidisciplinary Cancer Committee every week. What I really love is that we're going to take care of all comers the best we can.
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