Long before he wore a white coat, Matthew Simpson, MD understood the power of care, and he has spent his life making sure others feel it too. Growing up, he witnessed the impact of chronic illness on his family and neighbors, and how preventable conditions could worsen due to a lack of access to care, education, and resources. "I knew early on that I wanted to be part of the solution," he says. "I wanted to not only treat patients but also empower them with knowledge and work to bridge the gaps in health care equity."

Now completing his internal medicine residency at Allegheny General Hospital, Dr. Simpson has already distinguished himself as a clinician, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate. As a first-generation African American physician and an international medical graduate, he has overcome multiple layers of systemic barriers. Black men make up less than 2.5 percent of U.S. physicians, and international medical graduates face additional challenges in securing residency positions and leadership roles. Dr. Simpson has used his platform to open doors for others while excelling in his own career.

His clinical work is already improving outcomes for vulnerable patients across Pennsylvania. His research on COPD readmission rates led to the development of a care package that includes pharmacist-led inhaler education, coordinated follow-up, and transportation support. These interventions help patients stay healthier and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations. "I’m passionate about using evidence-based strategies to make care more effective and accessible," he explains.

Outside the hospital, Dr. Simpson is equally committed to community health. He volunteers at homeless shelters and soup kitchens and helps grow fresh produce for underserved patients through the Healthy Foods Resident Physician Garden. His efforts were even featured on Highmark’s Health Food Vlog, highlighting his dedication to addressing the broader social factors that influence health.

As the founder and CEO of Top MD LLC, Dr. Simpson has helped hundreds of students, residents, and nurses, many from underrepresented backgrounds, pass board exams and achieve their professional goals. The company earned the 2024 Global Recognition Award, and he was a finalist for the American Business Award Under 40 and the Goodwill SWPA Power of Work Awards. "Medical education is one of my greatest passions," he says. "I want to create structured mentorship programs, research opportunities, and scholarship funding to support aspiring health care professionals."

His leadership in diversity and mentorship is equally impactful. He founded Black Men in Residency, or BMR, to support Black medical students and help them navigate the challenges of medical training. As associate program director of the TRIUMPHS program, he mentors high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, offering career guidance, interview preparation and shadowing opportunities. He also supports gender equity through his involvement with Women in Residency Life and serves on the Resident Physician Council, where he advocates for wellness, mental health and a culture of compassion among his peers.

Dr. Simpson is deeply honored by his Top Physicians Under 40 nomination. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion I have poured into my journey as a physician, mentor, and advocate for medical education and health care equity," he says. "It’s incredibly rewarding to see that my work, whether in the ICU, through Top MD, or in research, is making a meaningful impact."

Looking ahead, Dr. Simpson will begin a prestigious Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship in July 2025. He plans to become a medical director of multiple ICUs, with a focus on lung transplantation and advanced critical care. He also envisions expanding Top MD into a national mentorship and scholarship platform and launching real estate ventures to provide discounted housing for medical trainees.

"Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy of service, mentorship, and innovation," he says. "I want to ensure that health care is not just a privilege for some, but a right for all."

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