Meet Matthew Koslow, MD: All In for the LAM Community
For Dr. Matthew Koslow, caring for people with LAM is more than a job. It is a mission that has shaped his career, his family life, and his sense of purpose.
Dr. Koslow has served the LAM community for six years. At National Jewish Health, he was introduced to LAM patients through the mentorship of Dr. Greg Downey. Dr. Downey did more than teach medicine. He showed Dr. Koslow the power of listening, caring deeply, and working as part of a team.
“Through caring for patients, I quickly came to know this amazing and unique community,” Dr. Koslow says. “Patients, clinicians, scientists, and The LAM Foundation all inspired me. I wanted to be part of this story.”
Listening to patients has had a deep impact on him. Many people with LAM are young women facing a serious and uncertain disease. Yet Dr. Koslow sees courage again. He often imagines what it would feel like if LAM affected someone in his own family. That thought drives his work and reminds him why research, care, and connection matter so much.
The LAM Foundation has played a key role in his professional growth. Through education, collaboration, and events like LAMposium, he has found both inspiration and direction. “LAMposium gives you a true sense of purpose,” he says. “It reminds you why we do this work and how important it is to keep pushing toward better treatments and a cure.”
Dr. Koslow also serves on The LAM Foundation’s Clinical Advisory Board (CAB). He values the teamwork and shared vision of the group. He speaks highly of TLF’s Director of Education & Advocacy, Cindy Beasley, and her team, calling Cindy thoughtful, professional, and essential to the Foundation’s success. He also appreciates the leadership and insight of Executive Director, Patti Tuomey, as well as the support and collaboration of fellow clinicians Ali Ataya and Robert Kotloff.
“Ali is always encouraging,” Dr. Koslow says. “He reminds us that we can do this.” He describes Dr. Kotloff as a generous listener who helps turn big ideas into better ones. Together, the group focuses on engaging LAM clinic leaders and strengthening care across the community.
One patient interaction stands out above all others. Dr. Koslow’s very first LAM patient faced a life-threatening complication early on. Through honest conversations and many challenges, she slowly began to improve. Then one day, she asked a simple question: “Can I go to Hawaii?”
His initial hesitation was overruled by her courage. She chose to keep living fully, despite uncertainty. That moment stayed with him.
Over time, Dr. Koslow has become more involved with the LAM community, not just as a doctor, but as a person. He now brings his family into that world. He has swum laps with his son as part of Laps for LAM and shares the spirit of this community with his children.
“I’m all in,” he says. “This community feels like family.”
And for the LAM community, having dedicated clinicians like Dr. Koslow makes all the difference.
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