The Minnesota Medical Association has given a Mankato orthopedic surgeon its highest honor. Dr. Paul Matson of The Orthopedic & Fracture Clinic received the association’s Distinguished Service Award at its annual conference last week in Brainerd, Minn. The association gives the award to a physician who has made outstanding contributions to medicine and the association during his or her career.

Matson has been active in the Blue Earth Medical Society and has served as the Minnesota Medical Association’s president, as well as chair of its board of trustees. He has been a member of the group’s delegation to the American Medical Association since 2012.

“I was humbled and honored to be recognized by my peers,” Matson said Wednesday, adding that he’s thankful for the support of his wife, five children, and partners at the clinic. “There are a lot of really talented and passionate individuals who serve the medical profession, so to be recognized by them was really truly an honor.”

Matson received his bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College and his medical degree from the University of Minnesota. He completed his residency at Minnesota and has been practicing medicine in Mankato since 1988.