Paul Bruning has been devoted to advancing the Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association (MATA) and the field of athletic training and healthcare education through his leadership, teaching, and clinical expertise.

Bruning began his athletic training career as a student at Gustavus Adolphus College. His first hands-on experience was with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves as an intern athletic trainer. Bruning would eventually return to Gustavus Adolphus several years later to become the head athletic trainer for ten years before moving into a managerial role at TRIA Orthopedic Center, beginning his journey into the next phase of his professional career: healthcare administration. 

Bruning was an active leader within the MATA, serving as Vice President from 1999-2001, President-elect from 2002-2004, and President from 2004-2006. He provided long-term serviceon the MATA Governmental Affairs Committee and was the MATA Representative to the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association (GLATA). Additional leadership roles with the MATA, Bruning has held leadership positions which include serving as a charter board member for the Athletic Training Physician Practice Society (ATPPS). He has been a committee member for GLATA and the Board of Certification (BOC). 

Bruning developed a series of continuing education courses for emergencies in athletics and served as symposium coordinator. He has presented numerous times at the local, state, district, and national levels. 

Bruning is a recipient of the MATA Outstanding Athletic Trainer Recognition Award in 2012.