VIP Top Docs & Health Pros: Dr. Matthew Rutter, M.D.

Story by Amelia Bowen

Some of the most advanced surgeries in modern medicine do not require patients to travel to Nashville or Louisville. They are happening right here in South Central Kentucky. For Dr. Matthew Rutter, that is a reality he has worked toward for more than two decades. After serving as Medical Director for Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery at the University of Toledo, Dr. Rutter was recruited to South Central Kentucky in 2009 with a clear goal in mind: introducing robotic urologic surgery to the region. More than 15 years later, he remains the area’s most experienced robotic urologist, performing many of the most complex procedures using minimally invasive technology that helps patients recover faster while improving outcomes. “I’ve been performing robotic surgery since 2003,” Dr. Rutter says. “Many people don’t realize the level of care that’s available right here close to home.” His practice focuses primarily on the treatment of urinary cancers using minimally invasive techniques, but what continues to motivate him is not the technology itself. It is the people behind every procedure. Dr. Rutter starts most mornings before sunrise, arriving at the hospital around 6 a.m. to check on patients before heading either to the operating room or the clinic. His days often do not end until early evening, but he says the relationships he builds with patients make every long hour worthwhile. “Many of my patients have become my friends,” he says. “Being able to solve their problems using the skills I’ve spent years developing is incredibly rewarding.” His interest in medicine began long before medical school. Growing up, athletic injuries meant frequent visits to emergency rooms and physicians’ offices, where he became fascinated by the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to help others. While he originally planned to become an orthopedic surgeon, a trusted mentor introduced him to urology, a specialty that offered the perfect balance of medicine, surgery and constantly evolving technology. Today, innovation continues to shape his field. From advancements in robotic surgery and laser technology to new treatments for advanced kidney and prostate cancers, Dr. Rutter has watched patients benefit from remarkable progress over the last decade. Looking ahead, he believes artificial intelligence and continued technological innovation will further improve patient care while allowing physicians to treat increasingly complex conditions. Despite the rapid pace of change, one standard has remained constant throughout his career. Dr. Rutter believes every patient deserves to be treated as an individual. Raised in a small farming community in southern Ohio, he has always related easily to the people he serves. “I’m no different than my patients,” he says. “I just happen to have had the training to do some extraordinary things.” Outside the hospital, Dr. Rutter enjoys restoring classic cars, woodworking, gardening and spending time with his wife, Natalie, their children, Ethan and Emma and their two dogs, Sally and Silas. His family attends Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and over the years he has also been involved with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and the Orchestra Kentucky Chorus. After recently joining T.J. Regional Health, Dr. Rutter is excited about the future of urologic care in the region. New technologies and expanded capabilities have positioned the hospital to offer advanced treatment close to home, allowing patients to receive exceptional care without leaving the community they know. For Dr. Rutter, that is what great medicine is all about: combining advanced technology with genuine relationships to help patients get back to living their lives.