Matthew A. Handling, M.D.

Where are you from originally?

I grew up in Newark, Delaware. My father was the head athletic trainer at the University of Delaware for over 30 years. I have many wonderful memories of hanging out on Delaware’s campus as well as Main Street, Newark.  

What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?

I enjoy each one of the surgeries I perform. I take pride in helping each patient regain function. Probably my favorite is an ACL reconstruction. It is a very technical procedure. I also enjoy seeing the patients regain stability and confidence in their knees after surgery.

Have you had an orthopaedic injury?

I fractured my tibia bone in my second football game in the seventh grade when my own player hit me while I was trying to make an interception. I also had a scaphoid fracture in my wrist during basketball in high school. It was tough to be out of the action for so long after that those injuries. 

What was you most memorable case?

I have treated many patients with multi-ligament tears after a knee dislocation. This is a very difficult injury for patients to regain normal function. I remember one high school athlete who had a particularly bad injury, like the injuries seen in the pro athletes on TV. The surgery went great, and the patient worked especially hard to get back on the field. The day they were cleared for full sports participation was emotional for the patient, his family, and me.

What do you like to do in you spare time?

I enjoy running, cooking, and hanging out with my family playing board games.  

Did you play a sport? Favorite sports team?

I played football, basketball, and lacrosse in high school. I played club lacrosse in college at University of Delaware. The whole family has recently picked up disc golf. 

My favorite sports team is the Philadelphia Eagles. I try to watch every game and love watching the post-game show and talking to my friends about the games. I was lucky enough to go the Superbowl and watch the Eagles win the first Superbowl in franchise history.

Favorite type of music?

I guess I am a product of the 90’s as I graduated both high school and college in that decade. I can remember seeing some great bands come through the old Stone Balloon back in the day.

Fun fact about you?

My family likes going to National Parks and seeing the country.

Do you have any pets?

We have two dogs that constantly need walks it seems.

Favorite location to travel?

I enjoy going out West and seeing new parts of the United States. My wife and kids like going to Disney World. Somehow, they seem to win more than me when we are planning a trip.