Matt Simmons, M.D., Named John C. Sall, M.D., Professor in Medicine
Dr. Simmons has been affiliated with the school of medicine since 1992. He served as a clerkship director and as a clinical associate professor and associate professor in the neurosciences department. In 2011, he was named associate dean of the medical school’s Rapid City campus, and he continues in that position. Dr. Simmons also maintains a clinical practice in neurology.
A Minnesota native, Dr. Simmons earned his M.D. degree from Creighton University, where he also performed his undergraduate studies. He completed a transitional internship at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a residency in neurology at the University of Minnesota.
During his tenure at the medical school, Dr. Simmons has sought innovative approaches to provide a medical education that enables medical students to reach their full potential as physicians and leaders in the communities they serve. To do that, he has built connections to institutions and individuals to create opportunities for medical students to expand their knowledge and cultural understanding.
In Rapid City, Dr. Simmons has worked extensively with students and faculty at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology not only to advance educational opportunities for USD medical students, but also to provide learning about health professions to students at SD Tech. Dr. Johnica Morrow advises health students at SD Tech and she has frequently worked with Dr. Simmons to devise projects and activities to enrich medical students and inspire Morrow’s students to pursue careers in health and medicine.
“Dr. Simmons,” said Morrow, “has been an invaluable resource, an empowering colleague and an incredible external partner for our institution. He is a paragon for medical education.”
Dr. Simmons is a Gold Humanism Honor Society Faculty inductee, and in 2009 he was selected as the Anton Hyden Distinguished Professor Award recipient.
The professorship is named for Dr. John Sall, a graduate and supporter of the medical school. He was a founder and partner of the Central Plains Clinic in Sioux Falls. In 2010, he died at age 63. It is through his generosity that the professorship is funded.
Dr. Tim Ridgway, medical school dean, described similarities between Dr. Sall and Dr. Simmons. “Dr. Simmons is passionate about incorporating ethics and professionalism into the curriculum, and he cares deeply for our students’ professional and personal well-being,” said Ridgway. “He exemplifies the type of physician we want our students to become, and is very deserving of the John C. Sall, M.D. Professor in Medicine.”
Dr. Simmons is married to Dr. Lynn Simmons and they are the parents of three children.
