In just under a year, Dr. Ethan Matz has made a noticeable impression on Chattanooga and not only in the operating room. As a reconstructive urologist at Erlanger, Dr. Matz brings both surgical precision and a compassionate approach to patient care, qualities deeply rooted in a family legacy of medicine. Originally from Columbia, Maryland, and trained at the University of Texas Southwestern, Atrium Wake Forest Baptist, and George Washington University, Matz chose Chattanooga for its opportunity and stayed for its charm.
"Chattanooga struck a balance for me," Dr. Matz says. "It feels like a city, but the medical community here is tight-knit and collaborative." That sense of connection carries over to his personal life as well. When he’s not in scrubs, you might find him exploring nearby trails or heading out on day trips to uncover the hidden gems of the region. “Living in Chattanooga is all about the outdoors,” he adds, though he admits he hasn’t quite tapped into his adventurous side yet to try whitewater sports or rock climbing—“but I’d love to.”
Dr. Matz moved to the Scenic City after completing a fellowship in genitourinary reconstruction in Dallas, and says that despite his relatively short time here, he’s felt warmly welcomed—both personally and professionally. He appreciates how the city's size fosters connection while still offering space to grow, a rare combination that’s helped him feel right at home.
His favorite local eats reflect a relaxed, curious spirit: Calliope, Little Coyote, Easy Bistro, Boathouse, and Alleia top his list, with Neidlov’s and Milk and Honey fueling weekend mornings. A self-proclaimed avid skier, Dr. Matz lights up talking about the sport that’s been a lifelong passion, passed down from his father — also a doctor, and his most significant personal influence. “He taught me the importance of showing up and taking care of people. If I can be even half the clinician he is, I’ll have done well.”
That ethos of showing up fully is something Dr. Matz carries into every part of life. “Professionally, it means being fully present for my patients and team. Personally, it means my friends and family always know they can count on me.”
Though he thrives in healthcare, Dr. Matz muses that in another life, he might have been a chef. “There’s artistry in both surgery and cooking — they both require skill, patience, and a touch of creativity.”
Whether he’s reminiscing about San Sebastián, Spain, where he’s often imagined moving, or recalling his black Nissan Altima chauffeuring his three younger sisters, Dr. Matz’s stories all point to the same traits: reliability, thoughtfulness, and quiet ambition — the very qualities that make him an asset to Chattanooga’s medical and social communities alike.