Dr. Andrea Matson, DO, is Samaritan’s first physician to be named a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) — one of the highest honors in surgery.
Being named a Fellow of the FACS represents a surgeon’s trust, dedication, and excellence in caring for patients. Achieving FACS membership is rare as early in a career as Dr. Matson, particularly since the American College of Surgeons is typically an MD organization. Dr. Matson’s recognition underscores a commitment to bringing big-city standards into a rural setting.
“I am proud to recognize Dr. Matson for achieving the prestigious designation of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons,” said Dr. Andrea Carter, chief medical officer at Samaritan. “This accomplishment reflects her commitment to the highest standards of surgical excellence, ethics, and patient care. We’re proud to have such talented surgeons on our team.”
Surgeons must be nominated for a Fellowship by colleagues who recognize their service to patients, professional integrity, and leadership. Matson was nominated by three former colleagues and FACS Fellows — Dr. Meredith Heberer, a general surgeon in Nevada; Dr. Dutch Matthews, a general and burn surgeon in Arizona; and Dr. Eric Ebaugh, a former Samaritan surgeon.
Dr. Matson said the biggest hurdle in the selection process was an oral defense of her practice, similar to a thesis defense. During a Zoom meeting, she met with three surgeons from around the state as they asked her rapid-fire questions. Much of the focus was on how surgeons at Samaritan are able to do so many different procedures.
“I explained that since we’re in a small community, we don’t have the luxury of specialties,” she said. “We do a lot of work to stay current in various procedures and have a great record of success. Overall, they were amazed at all the work we do at Samaritan to take care of patients.”
Other components of the selection process include the number of cases a surgeon sees per year, their involvement in medical education, and a demonstrated commitment to furthering the field of surgery.
Matson said being named a FACS Fellow is especially meaningful as a young surgeon in a small town, knowing she was nominated and recognized by her colleagues.
“These folks are experts in their fields and recognized for their integrity,” she said. “This is amazing validation that I’m continuing to learn and become a better surgeon.”
Having an FACS surgeon gives additional credibility to a hospital, as it demonstrates the organization’s commitment to continuous learning and top-notch care. Patients can feel confident knowing their surgeon has been vetted by national leaders and held to the most rigorous standards in the field.
Dr. Matson’s fellowship was official in October 2025 and is a lifetime recognition. Learn more about general surgery at Samaritan, or contact us for more information about scheduling procedures with Dr Matson.