Specialty Orthopaedic Medicine Facility Sacramento Medical Center Department of Musculoskeletal Services Address 2025 Morse Avenue Sacramento CA 95825 Map & Directions Telephone Office: (916) 973-7768 E-mail your doctor View your preventive services

Department Hours

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Closed	8:30 am 5:00 pm	8:30 am 5:00 pm	8:30 am 5:00 pm	8:30 am 5:00 pm	8:30 am 5:00 pm	Closed
Closed during lunch, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

My Specialty and Why I Chose It

I am a physician assistant (PA) in the Department of Orthopedics. I provide medical services in the clinic, hospital, and operating room, as part of a team led by an orthopedic surgeon.

PA's are medical professionals licensed and board certified to practice medicine by delegation of and under the supervision of physicians.

In orthopedics, we typically see patients in the clinic for new consults and postoperative visits. We care for them during their hospital stay and assist the surgeon during their operation. We also perform minor procedures such as joint aspirations, injections, and fracture management.

I entered the orthopedics field because of my interest in the anatomical structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and how to help heal it when injury, illness, or disease occurs. It is very rewarding to be able to correct a problem, help a patient heal from an injury, or deal with a disorder or disease process.

My Practice Philosophy

I feel that communication is the most important aspect of practicing medicine, both listening to what a patient is telling you, his or her concerns, questions, and fears, as well as clearly explaining to them what their injury or disorder is, and what treatment options are available or recommended. This builds trust between provider and patient, which is essential for a plan of care to begin, whether surgical or non-surgical. They can then make the best decisions about their care and the right choices.

My Tenure With Kaiser Permanente

I have been a provider at Kaiser Permanente since 1998. I provided services in the Emergency Department, Musculoskeletal Services/Orthopedics Department, and worked as an instructor with the Emergency Department ACLS education program.

I believe in the philosophy of Kaiser Permanente’s medical group and what it is doing to take good care of its patients. I am proud to be a member of this team. I believe that as a physician assistant in the Orthopedic Department, I am able to enhance the care of our patients.

Professional Interests & Affiliations

• American Academy of Physician Assistants, Member
• California Academy of Physician Assistants, Member
• ACLS Instructor/ Provider
• PALS provider
• ATLS provider

Orthopedic surgery, trauma, hand surgery, sports medicine, and pediatric injury. Emergency medicine and family practice are my roots.

On a Personal Note. . .

I grew up in the Sacramento area and was an athletic youth. I had my first knee surgery at the age of 16 and was fortunate enough to continue playing baseball into my early college days.

While completing my general education at San Diego State, I had the opportunity to assist in rock climbing and seacoast survival excursions in Baja Mexico as part of an outdoor education internship. I adopted first aid duties on these outings in the wilderness, finished my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-1) certification and became very interested in medicine. In the late 1970's I completed my paramedic training at Stanford University Medical Center and was fortunate to become involved in the growth of the profession during those early years of paramedics in northern California. After a career as a firefighter/paramedic and an injury, I returned to school to finish my premedical education and decided to continue my passion for medicine.

I moved my family to the northwest and attended the University of Washington, completing the Physician Assistant program within the School of Medicine and trained in Advanced Trauma Life Support at Harborview in Seattle.

We enjoyed Seattle and I practiced emergency medicine and family practice for several years, finally returning to Sacramento in 1997. I continue to enjoy the practice of medicine as a PA in orthopedics and balance this work with family life, which is the most important of all. I still enjoy sports, the outdoors, and when time allows, writing.

Education

• Master of Physician Assistant Studies - University of Nebraska
• Physician Assistant - University of Washington
• BS Clinical Health Services - University of Washington
• Paramedic Training Program - Stanford University Medical Center

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