Matthew Dalton Files, MD

Matthew Dalton Files, MD

Cardiology, Single Ventricle Program

On staff since September 2013

Children's Title: Director, Single Ventricle Program; Attending Physician

Academic Title: Associate Professor, Pediatrics

Research Center: Center for Integrative Brain Research

"I am honored to enter into families lives at crucial time points. From a newborn with complex heart disease to a teenager's heart that curiously flutters, I understand that these are frightening times in people's lives. I love being able to explain and demystify complex problems and provide a roadmap for the future. Our field has made incredible progress over the past 50 years, yet I am humbled by how far we still have to go. Caring for children with heart disease involves a multi-disciplinary approach and I'm privileged to work with such expert and energetic faculty and staff at Seattle Children's Hospital."

  • Matthew Files MD, is attending pediatric cardiologist at Seattle Children's Hospital and is assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

    He earned his MD at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson and completed his pediatric residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. He went on to complete his pediatric cardiology fellowship at the University of Washington / Seattle Children's Hospital before joining the Seattle Children's Heart Center as faculty in 2013.

    Dr. Files enjoys caring for children of all ages with all types of congenital and acquired heart disease. His clinical and research focus includes improving outcomes for the most high risk infants and children with heart disease.

    • Jennifer Woodinville, WA 07.27.19

      We went to Children's Hospital when our daughter was 11 days old due to a heart murmur. Dr. Files looked over her echocardiogram and had to deliver devastating news to my husband and I. Our newborn had a very rare heart defect and would need to have open heart surgery along with other procedures to survive. He then provided us with all of the information we needed to make decisions best for our daughter. He was there for us during the hardest parts of our lives in and out of the hospital. Clarifying and keeping track of things that were happening and being told to us. He gave us critical resources that saved our daughters life. She is now 4 1/2 and goes through life like a normal little girl. She's in sports and preschool with no idea what she has been through. This is all thanks to Dr. Files. We see him every year and he is a crucial part of our life now. We trust and rely on him for the future of our daughter. I can honestly say he is the best person to have on your team.

    • Ryan Port Orchard, WA 05.23.17

      Dr. Files was a part of the team that saved my newborn daughters life. We are forever grateful and appreciative to him for what he has done. Thank you Dr. Files! It is very hard being the parent of a child who is in a children's hospital. It is very stressful and frustrating. The only thing that makes it easier is having doctors like Dr. Files. He has followed my daughter and knew her case. He listens and cares. After over 2 months in the hospital, we were just exhausted and frustrated. Dr. Files took the time to let us vent. He did his best to help us understand what was going on and sympathized with how hard it is. I really feel he cares about our family and our daughter. If you have the chance to work with him, he will do a wonderful job for you. Your child is in good hands.

    • Makayla Everett, WA 11.16.15

      Dr. Files is by far the best doctor I've ever met! He's genuine, caring, and knowledgeable. He always finds answers to your questions, and listens to your concerns. I'm very thankful he was our daughter's doctor, and would've continued to be if she were still here.

Overview

Board Certification(s)

Pediatrics
Pediatric Cardiology

Medical/Professional School

University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson, MS

Residency

Oregon Health & Science University-OHSU, Portland, OR

Fellowship

Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA

Clinical Interests

Single ventricle palliation, neurodevelopmental outcomes, echocardiography, and ECMO

Research Description

Neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with congenital heart disease, ECMO and the influence of thyroid hormone, quality improvement