Dr. Matt Bader, MD is our psychiatrist and Medical Director here at Advaita Integrated Medicine. We have shared previously about Dr. Bader’s professional experiences on our team page, but we wanted to let you get to know him more personally. We sat down with him and had a quick chat about his life, his work, and some fun stuff, too.
Could we get some brief biographical info from you? Hometown, previous experience, education, etc.?
I am from Northern New Jersey, specifically a town called Franklin. I attended college and medical school in Jersey and was heading to either Manhattan or North Carolina for residency with the latter winning out! I’ve been in NC ever since aside from a one year layover in Charleston, SC and have worked in a few clinics in the area over the past eight or nine years.
What is one thing your hometown could be known for, and why?
It’s the “Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World”
What made you want to work in this field?
I had meaningful experiences specifically working at the Durham, VA with veterans suffering from substance use disorders and other comorbid physical and mental health issues.
What do you believe makes Advaita Integrated Medicine stand out in its field, and why?
I am hoping that our culture of openness, collaboration, self care, and growth translates to the way we care for our patients.
What does your ideal day look like? It could be a day at work, a day off, on your dream vacation, anything!
First and foremost, it would have to be a day where I’m not racked by constant thoughts and pressure about “all the things I have to do”. Outside of that it’s probably a day in the mountains, maybe the Pacific Northwest or western North Carolina. The morning starts with drinking some good coffee on the porch or deck and reading some of a book, then going on a trail run with my wife. The rest of the day is spent checking out a local lunch spot, taking the pup for a hike, likely getting more coffee, and then winding down by a fire pit under the stars.
Can you name one role model you have, and why that person has had such an impact?
I would have to say Idris Elba as he is so very handsome and has the added bonus of that killer British accent. Is he a role model in the sense that I aspire to be that handsome or accented? No, but he’s who popped to mind!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? How has that advice affected your day-to-day?
“Safety first”. I mostly, always look both ways before crossing a street.
What is your favorite Advaita Integrated Medicine memory?
My now wife messaging me back randomly when we would chat via Advaita Integrated Medicine long before we were dating. If you mean Advaita Integrated Medicine versus AOL Instant Messenger, I would have to say it was when Teresa joined the team and started whipping everyone and everything into shape!
What’s one message you wish our patients would always take with them?
I hope my patients say, “Well, I don’t totally dread going to my appointments.”
Quick Hits
Favorite movie: RocknRolla
Favorite food(s): Almond butter
Hobbies: Running, reading, firepitting
Favorite album: The ’59 Sound
Favorite sports team: New York Giants
Pets: Pete (pibble)
Dream vacation: Thru running the Appalachian Trail
Favorite books: The Devil in the White City, Slough House series, Dublin Murder Squad series
Favorite podcasts: The Drive, Rich Roll, Ryen Russillo, Huberman Lab, Bill Simmons, Working it Out, Making Sense, Back from the Abyss, The Plant Proof Podcast, Secular Buddhism, Old Gods of Appalachia
What you wanted to be as a kid: Pediatrician
