Matthew Downer

Biography

Matthew Downer is a second-year medical student at Memorial University of Newfoundland, passionate about rehabilitation medicine and global health. While completing a BSc in Neuroscience at MUN, Matthew combined his passion for sport with his extensive experience working in community with persons living with disabilities. Matthew published multiple projects in neurorehabilitation focused on brain repair, neuroplasticity and cognitive recovery in post-stroke and multiple sclerosis. Matthew was also a Fulbright Killam Fellow in Washington D.C. studying neuropsychology and public health at American University. In medical school, Matthew has spearheaded several health advocacy initiatives including creating a new medical student group devoted to raising awareness and understanding of opioid-related issues in NL. After Oxford, Matthew plans to complete his M.D. and continue his work fighting for greater health equity and rehabilitation services in Canada.