Meet David Matson, M.D.
A Mankato, Minnesota, native, Summit hand and upper extremity surgeon David Matson, M.D., knew from a young age that he wanted to be a doctor. As the son of an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Matson was exposed to orthopedics in a variety of settings. He fondly remembers spending time on the sidelines with his dad, who was a team physician for the Minnesota State University Mavericks.
When Dr. Matson was 11, his family moved to Kenya, where his father worked at Kijabe Hospital. This was the first of multiple trips to Kenya, the most recent of which was at the end of medical school. Dr. Matson also spent time working in Ecuador and Honduras during residency. His work abroad proved to be a formative experience for Dr. Matson, who saw firsthand the incredible need for and benefits of orthopedic care. During medical school, he also participated in the Rural Physician Associates Program, which enabled him to work with community surgeons and physicians in rural Minnesota. In addition to giving him more hands-on experience, the program compelled him to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery.
Dr. David Matson’s background
After graduating summa cum laude with a degree in chemistry and biomedical studies from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, Dr. Matson spent a year working in healthcare IT at an electronic medical records company. He returned to Minnesota to complete medical school and residency training in orthopedic surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He then completed a hand and upper extremity fellowship at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
As an upper extremity specialist, Dr. Matson was drawn to the variety and complexity of problems he encountered in clinic and the operating room, including everything from microsurgery to fracture care, nerve surgery and joint replacements.
Dr. David Matson’s practice philosophy
For Dr. Matson, practicing medicine is about building a partnership with his patients. “The most important thing to me is that patients feel heard and that they understand all of their options. My goal is to work with my patients to develop a treatment plan that works best for them and gives them the function they want and need to live happy, fulfilling lives,” Dr. Matson said. Dr. Matson works to create open discussions with his patients to best counsel and guide patients through their treatment journey.
“Patients are putting a lot of trust in me as their doctor and surgeon. I want patients to feel confident that we are developing a treatment plan that fits within their lifestyle, goals, and interests,” he noted.
More about Dr. Matson
Dr. Matson and his wife are glad to be back in the area after spending time away for fellowship training. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, their families, and their friends. He loves cross-country and downhill skiing. “It’s my favorite thing to do in the world,” he said. He also stays active by hiking, running, and playing soccer and enjoys watching live music in his free time.
Education
Fellowship
Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship
Vanderbilt University — Nashville, TN
Residency
Orthopedic Surgery Residency
University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, MN
Medical School
Doctor of Medicine
University of Minnesota Medical School — Minneapolis, MN
Undergraduate Studies
Bachelor of Arts | Chemistry, Biomedical Studies
St. Olaf College — Northfield, MN
Professional Memberships
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
- American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS)
- Mid-America Orthopaedic Association (MAOA)
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- American Orthopaedic Association (AOA)
- Minnesota Orthopaedic Society (MOS)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- Minnesota Medical Association (MMA)
- Twin Cities Medical Association (TCMA)
Specialties
My Team
My Team
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12/21/2024
