Broadway dancer, actor, and now coder: Matty’s career journey
Matty Oaks-Dougherty's journey into medical coding began unexpectedly during the pandemic when the entertainment industry shut down. Originally a performer with a background in dance and acting, he found himself seeking stability and a new challenge. After researching various career paths, he discovered medical coding and pursued certification through AAPC. Despite initial self-doubt and the steep learning curve, he passed his CPC exam and landed a job coding for anesthesia.
He later became a TA for AAPC’s online courses, drawn to the opportunity to help students navigate the same journey he had undertaken. Over the past year, he has witnessed the TA program evolve, doubling in size and becoming a true community of support. Matty also earned his CANPC certification, marking a significant professional milestone. He was the first in his department to achieve this credential, reinforcing his commitment to excellence in anesthesia coding.
Though his medical coding career has flourished, Matty remains dedicated to his artistic pursuits. He has begun auditioning for film and TV roles again, embracing a balance between coding and performance. Moving out of the city and buying a house — something made possible by the stability of his new career — has added another layer to his journey. He also stays active with CrossFit and hopes to set up a pottery studio in his basement.
His advice to aspiring coders: avoid comparison, set tangible goals, and remain persistent. The job search is a numbers game, and maintaining gratitude, adaptability, and community connections can make all the difference. As he reminds students, "Don’t compare and despair. You’ve got this!"
