Physician Assistants
At Rockford Orthopedic, we utilize a team approach that allows for the highest quality service and treatment. An integral part of the team is the physician assistant (PA). The PA is an extension of the Physician's care and is highly trained to provide many office services as well as assist in surgical procedures.
From your first visit to the completion of your treatment you will be seen by the physician or often the PA working under the physician's supervision. They work together to offer a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan to return you quickly to a healthy, active lifestyle.
PAs complete advance education in medical training and must pass national licensing exams to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and prventative healthcare services, as delegated by a physician.
PAs take medical histories, examine patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and X-rays, make diagnoses, and serve as first assistant for orthopedic surgical procedures. They also treat minor injuries by suturing, splinting, and casting. PAs record progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and order rehabilitative services. Physician assistants may also prescribe mediciations.
Patients receiving care from a PA can feel confident they are in skilled hands and their physician remains involved in all treatment plans.
Hand and Elbow
Jimmy Walker, PA-C - Assists Dr. Bear
Education:
- B.S. Chemistry - Wichita State University;
- B.S. Healthcare Administration - Southern Illinois University
- Master of Medical Science - St. Francis University;
- PA-C - Associate of Science in Physician Assistant Studies - Malcolm X College of Chicago 2004
Joe Maroney, PA-C - Assists Dr. Korcek
Education:
- B.S. Biology - Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ;
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies - Arcadia University, Glenside, PA - 2008
Dan Ruyle, PA-C, ATC - Assists Dr. Schwartz
Education:
- B.A. Athletic Training - University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa
- M.P.A.S. Physician Assistant Studies - University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska
Hip and Knee
Adam Baier, PA-C - Assists Dr. Chmell
Education:
- PA-C - Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies - Midwestern University - 2006
Francie Kelso, PA-C - Assists Dr. Barba
Education:
- B.S. - Athletic Training - Northern Illinois University;
- M.A. - Sports Administration - Kent State University;
- PA-C - Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies - St. Louis University 2004
Pediatrics
John Moore, PA-C, ATC - Assists Dr. Ferry
Education:
- B.S. Athletic Training, B.A. Health Promotion - University of Iowa City, Iowa
- M.S. in Physician Assistant Practice - Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL
Sports Medicine
Brent Card, PA-C - Assists Dr. Whitehurst
Education:
- B.S. - Sports Medicine - Central Michigan University;
- M.A. - Administration - University of Louisville;
- PA-C - Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies - Trevecca Nazarene University 1998
Michael Gilbertson, PA-C - Assists Dr. Trenhaile
Education:
- B.S. - Athletic Training - Northern Illinois University;
- PA-C - Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies - Midwestern University 2004
Trauma
Mike Karg, PA-C - Assists Dr. Sorkin
Education:
- B.A. - Exercise Physiology & Biology - Concordia University;
- PA-C - Bachelor of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies - University of Alabama 2001
Jason Kadar, PA-C - Assists Dr. Zussman
Education:
- B.S. - Athletic Training - Indiana State University;
- PA-C - Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies - Marywood University 2006
Mike Mccormick, PA-C - Assists Dr. Blint
Education:
- A.S. Surgical Technology - Rock Valley College;
- B.S. Biochemistry - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign;
- Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies - Midwestern University - 2008
