By Meghan McCarthy
Since childhood, Matt Van Dongen, MD, has approached life as a climb. Whether adventuring through backyard woods or navigating patient care as a physician, he depends on his passion and curiosity.
He takes that perspective into his current role, as Penn Memory Center (PMC) clinical fellow.
Dr. Van Dongen grew up in rural West Virginia, with nature as his playground.
“There wasn’t a lot going on,” he said. “I kept myself busy because we lived right up against the woods. I think I naturally climbed onto whatever I could as I kid.”