Rhea Mathew, MD

Hometown

Redlands, CA

Interests

My name is Rhea Mathew and I am a current fourth year medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine, planning to pursue Emergency Medicine as a specialty. After completing my undergraduate degree at UCLA, I pursued a Masters in Global Health Sciences at UCSF. I continue to have a strong interest in public health and community service, so much of my free time in medical school has been devoted to participating in free clinics and improving health literacy in the Philadelphia community. Outside of medicine and academics, I love to stay active through hiking, running, yoga, and kickboxing! When I'm tired out from that, I'm equally happy to be relaxing with a good novel and a cup of strong black coffee, or cooking/baking for friends and family.

Why did you choose UCLA for Residency?

I could tell all of the residents were extremely happy at UCLA and felt supported in their professional and personal goals. It also just felt like a true family with a shared love for emergency medicine and commitment to caring for the underserved.

What is your favorite place to visit/thing(s) to do in/memory from living in LA? If you have never lived here before, what are you most excited about?

I'm excited for the constant sunshine and being close to my family and friends! Also can't beat the food and the coffee.

What do you do in your free time? What hobbies do you have? 

I love hiking, kickboxing, running, basically anything active! Though I'm equally likely to be in the kitchen baking something delicious for my family and friends.

What are your areas of interest within EM or future career plans? 

Global health and social EM. I'm also looking forward to exploring wilderness and disaster medicine!

Next vacation stop?

Australia