Matthew T. Burger, MD

About Dr. Burger

I became a healthcare provider because I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to serve others, especially in moments when they’re most vulnerable. Training in the New Orleans area, I saw firsthand how deeply heart disease and lung disease affect our community. Here, medicine isn’t just about treating a diagnosis—it’s about caring for neighbors, friends, and sometimes even family. I chose cardiothoracic surgery because it blends technical precision with profound human connection. In this field, we have the privilege of literally holding a person’s heart in our hands, repairing it, and giving them more time with the people they love. There’s nothing more humbling—or motivating—than that. My roots in New Orleans shape the way I practice; I see every patient as part of the larger fabric of this city, and I’m dedicated to giving back to the place that has given me so much. Patients can count on me for extraordinary care because I treat every case as if it were my own family member. In the operating room, I bring meticulous attention to detail and the highest standards of surgical excellence. Outside of it, I make sure my patients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their entire journey—from diagnosis to recovery. My commitment isn’t just to repairing a heart or lungs—it’s to restoring health, dignity, and quality of life.

My little something extra
My “little something extra” is the joy I find in connecting with people—whether it’s my patients, my surgical team, or my own family—through shared experiences and stories. Traveling with my family keeps me curious and open-minded, golf teaches me patience and focus, and exploring New Orleans’ food, music, and traditions keeps me rooted in the community I serve. These passions outside the operating room bring more than just technical skill to my work—they give me perspective, empathy, and a genuine appreciation for life’s moments. I believe that to truly care for someone’s heart, you have to have one yourself, and my love for family, travel, and this city gives me exactly that.