Take 5 with Foot and Ankle Surgeon Matthew Bologna, MD

WakeMed is thrilled to welcome Matthew Bologna, MD, as the newest member of our Wake Orthopaedics team — specializing in foot and ankle surgery. With his extensive fellowship training and board certification, he brings a rich background in advanced techniques, including the use of state-of-the-art 3D-printed materials for surgeries — related to repairs, replacements and reconstructions.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Bologna for a deeper look into his life and work, and we’d love for you to be part of this engaging question-and-answer session. He opens up about his background, research interests and unique skills, offering insights that you won’t want to miss.

Please share what led you to become a foot and ankle surgeon.

I was drawn to the field of orthopaedics because of the impact that I could have on restoring patients' independence and mobility. During my training, I took an interest in the foot and ankle due to the critical role these parts play in walking, exercising and mobility. I found that problems in these areas greatly impacted well-being and functionality. 

During residency, I was fascinated with the complexity of the foot and ankle, the biomechanics and the different pathologies and injuries that can occur as well as the varying treatment options. In surgical and non-surgical approaches, this variety and complexity led me to study this further and become a specialist in the area.

What drew you to Wake Orthopaedics?

Several elements drew me to Wake Orthopaedics and to the city of Raleigh. First, WakeMed has a very strong reputation for medicine — and specifically for orthopaedics. WakeMed's patient-first care philosophy aligns with mine. Additionally, the orthopaedic specialty within the hospital system has great leadership and fantastic partners and specialists within the field. They're well known and, overall, are a great fit for me. 

Second, choosing the Raleigh area was a large part of our decision. My family and I moved here from Pittsburgh, PA, so another similar-sized city was attractive. We also learned Raleigh is an excellent place to raise a family and explore outdoor activities throughout North Carolina. With access to great schools and excellent neighborhoods as well as activities we love, we were very happy to relocate here.

Tell us a bit about your research interests.

I am very interested in custom 3D-printed implants and 3D-printed technology within foot and ankle and orthopaedic surgery. An up-and-coming field with explosive appeal, I began working in it about five years ago in Pennsylvania. I'm excited to bring this innovative technology to WakeMed. 

Numerous utilizations are available for 3D-printed implants within the realm of foot and ankle. Many patients have very complex problems, such as missing talus bone, so individually customizing materials for their anatomy based on their computed tomography scans serves patients well. To further explain, talus bones of the ankle can be severely damaged through trauma and are generally not salvageable, so 3D printing is a gamechanger for these patients. We also use 3D-printed material for planning purposes for different types of procedures, including ankle replacements.

What is your patient care philosophy?

My approach to patient care is centered on individual needs, prioritizing listening to my patients to create tailored treatment plans that align with their goals and lifestyles. I believe not every patient requires surgery, so I focus heavily on conservative and non-operative treatments, often enhancing quality of life without resorting to invasive procedures. However, when surgery is necessary, I bring specialized expertise in foot and ankle surgery and am capable of performing a wide range of procedures — from straightforward Achilles tendon and broken bone repairs — to more complex reconstructions, ankle replacements and fusions. Overall, I possess a comprehensive understanding and skill set in the realm of foot and ankle surgery.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy?

My wife and I definitely enjoy traveling. We've been to Europe a few times and have certainly enjoyed our experience in Europe. We plan to go to Paris next year. Within the United States, we travel to different parts of the country with our daughter and enjoy sightseeing. We love the many national parks and beaches. We enjoy Myrtle Beach and look forward to exploring the smaller, quieter beaches along the Carolina coast in the coming years.

Our favorite cuisine is Asian food, specifically sushi and Thai food. Our goal is to go to Thailand within the next couple years to explore more Thai cuisine and culture.

We enjoy golf when we have spare time, but we haven't joined a country club in the area as of yet since we recently relocated here. 

I was born and raised in West Virginia, and I'm a die-hard West Virginia University Mountaineer fan. Certainly, living in North Carolina, there's no animosity, so that's who we cheer for. I'm also excited to see all the college football and basketball teams here in the Triangle.

Did you enjoy learning about Dr. Bologna? Schedule an appointment.