Assistants

Dr. Sanders has highly trained and experienced Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners assisting in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine care. The care and services provided by these Assistants are vital to maintain a high level of care for each and every patient. The formal training they received includes diagnosing and treating patients, consultations on the best course for recovery.

What is a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner?

Physician Assistants (PA) and Nurse Practitioners (NP) in orthopedics are licensed to practice medicine with an MD's supervision. PAs and NPs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, assist in surgery, and counsel on preventative health care. Assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. An Assistant's independent practice also may include education, research, and administrative services.

All PAs and NPs working with Dr. Sanders have been trained in intensive education programs, most receiving Masters Degrees. Education is based on the medical model, designed to complement orthopaedic and sports medicine training. PAs and NPs take a national certifying examination, log 100 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain certification, and must sit for a recertification exam every six years.

In our practice, Assistants receive further education and training in surgical assistance and sports medicine prior to joining the staff. They make decisions consistent with how Dr. Sanders practices.  Even when you do not see Dr. Sanders, he is always actively involved in your care. Dr. Sanders monitors PA activities by reviewing and signing all office notes, which outline the nature of each patient encounter and treatment rendered.

We go to great lengths to ensure that each patient knows they are seeing a PA or a NP when scheduling an appointment. Every patient has the right to see his/her surgeon, but this may require us to reschedule or ask that you be patient, as there might be an extended wait.

If you have questions, please feel free to ask our staff, your PA, NP or your surgeon.