Growing up as the son of a family doctor in rural southern Indiana, Dr. Matthew DuPre saw first-hand the need and sincere appreciation for doctors in small communities. Inspired to pursue medicine, Dr. DuPre completed the rural track at Indiana University School of Medicine and spent a year working at his father’s practice in Sullivan. “I would watch my dad walk into the room and sit down. He taught me that the doctor isn’t the most important person in the room – the patient is,” Dr. DuPre said. “He also instilled in me the importance of building relationships and partnerships. You have to connect with your patients because they should always be part of the decision-making process when it comes to their health.” Much like his father served as a role model, Dr. DuPre is now helping train, mold and inspire new physicians as an associate director of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. A 2015 graduate of the program, Dr. DuPre is just as passionate about mentoring young doctors as he is about practicing family medicine. “One of the most important lessons to teach them is to be present for the patient every time you walk into a room. You must give them your full attention, understanding that no matter what happened right before, or what might happen immediately after, is not important,” Dr. DuPre said. “You only have a short time to earn and establish their trust. Our patients deserve our undivided attention.” In his own words What was your first paying job? I worked at an auto body shop when I was 14. I spent the summer wet-sanding cars. It was brutal. What was the toughest part about moving to South Bend? I had to tell my Grandma I was leaving Sullivan. She told me that she’s happy for me and I should do what’s best for me, but she reminded me that I can always come back home, too. What is a favorite hobby? I read a lot of nonfiction, sociology, history and nonfiction adventure. I usually read five or six books at a time. What’s something about you that would surprise people? My wife and I actually met when we were in preschool.