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Distinguished Alumni Award
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Presented by the Alumni Association to alumni who have made outstanding contributions both in their careers and to Michigan Tech over a number of years.
Matthew N. Songer (’79) Orthopedic Spine Surgeon - Orthopedic Surgery Associates Chairman and CEO, Pioneer Surgical Technology Marquette, Michigan
Dr. Matthew N. Songer has distinguished himself
as both an orthopedic spine surgeon and an
entrepreneur.Songer earned a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from Michigan Tech in 1979; a doctor of medicine from the University of Illinois, Chicago in 1983, where he also completed his orthopedic residency in 1988; and a spinal surgery fellowship at Northwestern University in 1989. In 2006 Songer received a master of business administration from Northwestern University. He is an adjunct professor at Michigan Tech and a clinical assistant professor at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine.
Songer founded Pioneer Surgical Technology in 1992. The firm, which received a Cool UP business award from the governor in 2004, is a leading developer and manufacturer of surgical instrumentation and spinal and orthopedic implants. As well, the firm is collaborating on tissue engineering to repair or regenerate diseased or damaged tissue.
Pioneer Surgical is expanding globally and has over two hundred employees. The firm has received numerous patents, including one it shares with Michigan Tech for a device to help reconstruct the spinal column.
Songer is a member of the College of Sciences and Arts Academy, and he lends his insight and perspective to students as a lecturer in the biomedical engineering program.
His endeavors combine surgical insight and engineering excellence as he seeks solutions to some of medicine's toughest problems.
