Tamuning, Guam - Dr. Matthew Lopez, a native of Saipan and a rising leader in the field of primary care, is committed to transforming healthcare delivery in underserved regions. As a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholar and a dual Internal Medicine and Pediatrics resident, Dr. Lopez is bridging the gap between world-class medical training and the unique health needs of island communities.

A Mission Rooted in the Pacific

Dr. Lopez’s journey began on the shores of Saipan, where he witnessed the systemic challenges families faced when seeking quality medical treatment. Motivated by the prevalence of preventable chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension within his own community, he has dedicated his career to the core principles of the "Whole Person Care" philosophy.

"Growing up in Saipan, I saw firsthand the barriers to access that many families experience," says Dr. Lopez. "Those early experiences shaped my calling to serve those whom the healthcare system often leaves behind."

Global Experience, Local at Heart

Dr. Lopez’s medical training has taken him across the globe, including mission work in Peru, Brazil, and Malawi. These experiences solidified his ability to provide resourceful, compassionate care in low-resource environments. Currently, he is completing a two-month international elective in Guam, a move that allows him to reconnect with his Pacific roots, while also studying the specific nuances of healthcare delivery in the region.

Bridging the Gap in Primary Care

As a graduate of Loma Linda University, Dr. Lopez integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual healing into his practice. His choice of a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Med-Peds) residency allows him to treat a vast demographic, from newborns to the elderly, ensuring continuity of care for entire families.

Key Highlights of Dr. Lopez's Career

• NHSC Scholar: Committed to serving in health professional shortage areas
• Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Awardee: Highest honor in medical training
• Whole-Person Advocate: Focused on the intersection of evidence-based medicine and spiritual restoration
• Community Focused: Dedicated to returning to the islands to build sustainable healthcare systems and improve health equity

As an NHSC Scholar serving on Guam, Dr. Lopez represents the next generation of Pacific Islander physicians committed to primary care and public service in the islands. We thank Dr. Lopez for his service to our Pacific Islander communities and wish him success in all his future endeavors!

About the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC), administered by the Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), works to expand access to high-quality primary care, dental, and mental health services in communities with the greatest need. Through competitive scholarship awards and loan repayment programs, the NHSC supports qualified health professionals who commit to serving in HRSA-designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) throughout the United States, its territories, and the Freely Associated States. To learn more about NHSC scholarship and federal loan repayment opportunities for health professionals, visit the NHSC website and the Bureau of Health Workforce at: https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/ and https://bhw.hrsa.gov/about-us.



Funded by HRSA, PIHOA serves as the Pacific Basin Primary Care Office (PBPCO), providing technical assistance and other support for health entities across the USAPIs to ensure eligibility for and access to HRSA’s various federal programs, including NHSC Scholar and Loan Repayment Program (LRP). For additional information, please contact Dr. Angela Techur-Pedro, PBPCO Coordinator at angiet@pihoa.org and visit the PIHOA PBPCO website page here: https://www.pihoa.org/pacific-basin-primary-care-office/.

PIHOA’s Pacific Basin Primary Care Office is supported by funds made available from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its cooperative agreement U68HP26801: State Primary Care Offices. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.