In Memoriam: Gregory J. Matz, MD
Gregory J. Matz, MD
3/12/1937 - 9/13/2017
It is with great sadness to inform you of the death of Dr. Gregory J Matz (Figure 1), who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday September 13th, 2017. He was a Professor Emeritus of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, in Maywood, Illinois. Professor Matz was a life-long Chicago resident and very unique individual who had great insight and was able to steer many students toward Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Matz’ grandparents immigrated to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania before moving to the Bucktown area of Chicago on the near north side. Greg’s parents Mary (Prusinski) and George Matz were both of Polish descent. His parents ran a grocery store on Winchester near Armitage in Chicago. The family lived above the grocery store and both Greg and his brother Joe worked in the store to help out.
Greg attended St. Hedwig's Grammar School, where he was taught by nuns. Greg later attended Weber High School, where he was taught by the Resurrection priests. Greg maintained a healthy respect for the clergy and many became his patients.
Greg was accepted into a 7-year college/medical school plan and attended DePaul University for three years during which he took the necessary pre-med courses. He then was accepted at Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine. He graduated from Stritch in 1962. Greg completed his residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Chicago under Dr. John Lindsay. From 1968-70, Greg served in the U.S. Air Force at Brooks AFB and Lackland AFB in San Antonio. Thereafter, he returned to the University of Chicago where he worked for another thirteen years. He became chairman of the Section of Otolaryngology at the University of Chicago at the age of 42 in 1979.
At the suggestion of one of his former residents, Dr. James Stankiewicz, he interviewed for the chair position at the Loyola University Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and became chair in 1983. Together, Doctors Matz and Stankiewicz built an outstanding department, taking the faculty from 3 private practice physicians to over 15 faculty, many of whom had completed prestigious fellowships.
Dr. Matz’ research interest were many and he was an international expert in ototoxicity. He received the prestigious Prince Edward Fowler award of the Triological Society in 1975 for his Triological Thesis entitled “The Ototoxic Effects of Ethacrynic Acid in Man and Animals. While at Loyola Dr. Matz served on the Medical School Admissions Committee for 30 years. He was a role model to many physicians and medical students and led students and residents on mission trips to the impoverished areas in the Dominican Republic. He volunteered frequently at inner city clinics in Chicago. His hobbies and interests were numerous and included the American Civil War and World War II as well as sailing and the Chicago Cubs, who finally won the World Series in 2016.
Dr. Matz was a member of the American Neurotology Society, inducted in 1997. He was also a very active member of the American Otological Society, inducted in 1979. Dr. Matz served on the Council as the Secretary/Treasurer from 1992-1997 and as President in 1999. He was recognized by his peers for his numerous contributions in otology and honored with the prestigious AOS Award of Merit in 2002. Dr. Matz stepped down as chair in 2001 and continued to see patients and teach students until this past summer.
Dr. Matz married Judy, whom he met at a summer job while in medical school. Together they raised their four children Susan, Paul, Anne, and Gregory and were blessed with seven grandchildren. Judy and Greg moved to downtown Chicago on Lake Shore Drive and this allowed Dr. Matz to spend his free time sailing on his beloved boat Emeritus. He would have an annual boat party each August for faculty, residents, and students. Judy also served as a coordinator for the AOS for many years and along with Greg made many life-long friends in Otolaryngology.
Dr. Matz could tell a lot about a medical student or a resident by where they went to high school and this was one of favorite interview questions. He was also very fond of using mnemonics and would inquire if the person you were dating or married to was an “MOT” (Member of your Tribe). Spouses or significant others could be “LM” (Low Maintenance), “HM” (High Maintenance), or VHM (Very High Maintenance).
He treated everyone the same, regardless of race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status. He was very humble and always answered the phone, “This is Greg Matz….” On the home opener for the Chicago Cubs he would tell his staff that he would not be available as he would be at “meeting” at 1060 West Addison in Chicago.
Dr. Matz was recognized for his contributions to Loyola and Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery at a memorial service on the Medical Center Campus on November 15, 2017. Many of his past students and residents, as well as friends, family and patients were able to attend this wonderful tribute to his life and career. Dr. Matz will always be known for his humility, humor, decency, intelligence, and hard work. His legacy continues as many of his students and residents continue to promote the virtues that Dr. Matz instilled in them in their home institutions.
– Submitted by Dr. Sam Marzo, Chair, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery