the orthoPA-c
314 episodes — Page 2 of 7
A discussion on APP fellowships, utilization, and leadership - Part 2
Amanda Ben Simon, MMS, PA-C, speaks with Sam, Miles, and Chuck about career considerations for APP Fellowship Programs. If you know where you want to live and that you want to practice orthopedics, when does fellowship make sense as opposed to on-the-job training? What are the limitations and the opportunities involved in being an APP Fellow? Tune in next week to hear Amanda discuss APP Utilization and why it's important to know your value. Earlybird deadline is July 31! Register for the annual conference at PAOS.org/cme! Join us in Las Vegas September 1-5 for the latest in orthopedics for APPs. Remember to book your room and book a flight early!
A discussion on APP fellowships, utilization, and leadership - Part 1
Amanda Ben Simon, MMS, PA-C, speaks with Sam, Miles, and Chuck about her role as co-director of the APP Fellowship Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center in part 1. Register for the annual conference at PAOS.org/cme! Join us in Las Vegas September 1-5!
Case Study: Midfoot Injury
Stay tuned to the end to hear about a special opportunity at our annual conference! Learn more and register at PAOS.org/cme Chuck shares a case of a 24 year old presenting with a midfoot injury and talks us through the exam, imaging, and treatment.
A Case Study - Forearm injury from horse kick
Sam shares a recent case from orthopedic urgent care and when to involve the physician. 13 year old right hand dominant female arrives holding her right forearm. Visit PAOS.org/cme for more information about the annual conference in Las Vegas. Limited spaces available!
A Case Study - Osteopenia, Sudden Acute Groin Pain and Hip Pain
Sam shares a case of a 72 year old patient presenting with groin pain and with xrays that reveal osteopenia. What further imaging is indicated? What is important to address while they are at urgent care?
Financial strategies for professionals - Part 4
Should you think about all debt the same way? When should you rebalance your investments? The discussion continutes in Part 4 of 4. "Millionaires in Medicine" founder Kristin Burton MPAS, PA-C, CAQ-HM, CPAAPA helps healthcare professionals with financial literacy.
Financial strategies for professionals - Part 3
"Millionaires in Medicine" founder Kristin Burton MPAS, PA-C, CAQ-HM, CPAAPA helps healthcare professionals with financial literacy. In part 3, when does a financial advisor make sense? What is important to consider with investing in real estate? Multifamily real estate?
Financial strategies for professionals - Part 2
"Millionaires in Medicine" founder Kristin Burton MPAS, PA-C, CAQ-HM, CPAAPA helps healthcare professionals with financial literacy. In Part 2, we discuss the importance of being able to see financial progress in addition to your annual budget. How do investment strategies change from the beginning of a PA career, mid-career and approaching retirement?
Financial strategies for professionals - Part 1
Kristin Burton, MPAS, PA-C, CAQ-HM, discusses updates on student loans in part 1 of a discussion on finances for PAs and other healthcare professionals. For most of us, it's important to begin investing as soon as we begin our careers, including the years that we are repaying student loans. What are important considerations for budgeting and accelerated payment plans? Learn more from Kristin at https://www.millionairesinmedicine.com/community
Hip pathology treated arthroscopically; a follow-up discussion with Dr. Bert - Part 4
Timothy Bert, MD, Sports Medicine Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon, specializes in arthroscopic technique. Part 4 includes a discussion of cam lesions and the connenction to osteoarthritis. Dr. Bert covers hip pathology further in the most recent Ortho in the West conference. His talk will be available for free at PAOS.org as the video of the month for June 2025. Virtual Category I CME packages available at PAOS.org for members, and AAPA.org for nonmembers.
Hip pathology treated arthroscopically; a follow-up discussion with Dr. Bert - Part 3
Timothy Bert, MD, Sports Medicine Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon, specializes in arthroscopic techniques and discusses hip conditions in adolescent patients in part three. Dr. Bert covers hip pathology further in the most recent Ortho in the West conference. Virtual CME will be available at PAOS.org for members, and AAPA.org for nonmembers.
Hip pathology treated arthroscopically; a follow-up discussion with Dr. Bert - Part 2
Timothy Bert, MD, Sports Medicine Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon, specializes in arthroscopic techniques and discusses hip conditions and The Beighton Scoring System in part two. Dr. Bert covers hip pathology further in the most recent Ortho in the West conference. Virtual CME will be available at PAOS.org for members, and AAPA.org for nonmembers.
Hip pathology treated arthroscopically; a follow-up discussion with Dr. Bert - Part 1
Timothy Bert, MD, Sports Medicine Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon, specializes in arthroscopic techniques and discusses hip conditions with Sam, Chuck, and Miles. Dr. Bert covers hip pathology further in the most recent Ortho in the West conference. Virtual CME will be available at PAOS.org for members, and AAPA.org for nonmembers.
PAs in Leadership - A Primary Care Perspective - Part 2
James L. Ali, PA-C, DMSc, MBA, DFAAPA is the president of the Society of PAs in Family Medicine, SPAFM. In Part 2, Jim discusses considerations for opening your own practice, the various models for reimbursement, and the future role of PAs in primary and specialty care. Read his article in the recent AAPA here to learn more about Jim and his journey in PA practice: https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2024/11/the-interconnected-journey-of-a-pa-from-rejection-to-innovation-in-primary-care/

PAs in Leadership - A Primary Care Perspective - Part 1
James L. Ali, PA-C, DMSc, MBA, DFAAPA is the president of the Society of PAs in Family Medicine, SPAFM. He shares his experience running an APP practice in an underserved community in part 1 of his interview with Sam. Read his article in the recent AAPA here to learn more about Jim and his journey in PA practice: https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2024/11/the-interconnected-journey-of-a-pa-from-rejection-to-innovation-in-primary-care/
A review of common hand conditions and management by a hand PA - Part 4
Vanessa Smith, MS, PA-C discusses treatment for hand injuries involving the nail bed as well as trigger finger, including the evidence for epinephrine and lidocaine use in the finger. Vanessa is a hand specialist who created OrthoRefresh.com as an educational tool for providers in primary care and orthopaedics needing a refresher on treating the hand and wrist.
A review of common hand conditions and management by a hand PA - Part 3
In Part 3, we cover neurectomy, or denervation, of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, and begin a discussion on treating trigger fingers. Vanessa Smith, MS, PA-C is a hand specialist who created OrthoRefresh.com as an educational tool for providers in primary care and orthopaedics needing a refresher on treating the hand and wrist.
A review of common hand conditions and management by a hand PA - Part 2
Vanessa Smith, MS, PA-C is a hand specialist who created OrthoRefresh.com as an educational tool for providers in primary care and orthopaedics needing a refresher on treating the hand and wrist. How do we counsel patients on arthritis? In part 2, Vanessa elaborates on the nonsurgical treatments for CMC Joint Arthritis and key educational ideas such as behavioral modification.

A review of common hand conditions and management by a hand PA - Part 1
Vanessa Smith, MS, PA-C is a hand specialist who created OrthoRefresh.com as an educational tool for providers in primary care and orthopaedics needing a refresher on treating the hand and wrist. In today's episode, she discusses ways of explaining osteoarthritis to patients and the nonsurgical treatments available in the "toolbox."
Non-orthopedic causes of Musculoskeletal Pain - Part 4
Sam and Chuck discuss how Non-orthopedic causes of pain can present in an orthopedic urgent care or clinic. In the final episode of the series, they discuss systemic diseases and medications that can cause musculoskeletal pain.
Non-orthopedic Causes of Musculoskeletal Pain - Part 3
Non-orthopedic causes of pain can present in an orthopedic urgent care or clinic setting and it's important to recognize when a patient needs to be referred to another provider. When it comes to the pelvis and the hip joint, what other things might present as musculoskeletal pain? Sam and Chuck discuss some experiences.
Non-orthopedic Causes of Musculoskeletal Pain - Part 1
Non-orthopedic causes of pain can present in an orthopedic urgent care or clinic setting and it's important to know what to include in your differential. In Part 1, Sam and Chuck discuss a case and some non-MSK causes of back pain.
Non-orthopedic Causes of Musculoskeletal Pain - Part 2
Non-orthopedic causes of pain can present in an orthopedic urgent care or clinic setting and it's important to know what to include in your differential. When do you refer out or send to the Emergency Department? In Part 2, Sam and Chuck discuss pain symptoms from the low back to cervical spine.
Preventing the Misdiagnosis of Lisfranc Injury: A Clinical Pearl
Miles Gilbreath, PA-C, speaks with 2024 Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship Winner Haven C. Donovan LAT, ATC, PA-S of DeSales University about the clinical pearl she wrote on Lisfranc diagnosis. 2025 scholarship applications are now being accepted! Check out PAOS.org/scholarship to learn more about this resource for PA students interested in a career in orthopaedics.
Part 5 - Return To Sport - with Arthritis
Join Miles, Chuck, and Sam in the final installment of their discussion on Return to Play. When someone is experiencing degenerative changes, how can we communicate with them effectively and empathetically about their condition? How can we work with them to help them continue or modify the ways they stay active?
Return to Activity - Part 4 - Spine Stuff
Chuck, Sam, and Miles discuss lumbar strains and other spine injuries, and the role of physical therapy in return to activity. Join the PAOS for a CME conference in 2025! More information at PAOS.org.
Return to Activity - Part 3 - After An Acute Injury
Sam, Chuck, and Miles discuss the variables to consider with an athlete's return to activity. When a patient has a fracture or other acute injury, it's important to discuss expectations for return to play and what factors may affect that timeline.
Return to Activity - Part 2 - After Orthopedic Surgery
Ortho PAs Sam Dyer, Chuck Dowell, and Miles Gilbreath discuss what to go over with patients when it comes to returning to activity after surgery. What is important to know about each surgeon's protocols? How does a patient's strength and activity level impact a decision on when to have surgery, what procedure to have, and what to try after surgery.
The PAOS Annual Practice And Compensation Survey 2024
The 2024 report is out now! One of the most important benefits of membership to Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery is the Annual Practice and Compensation Survey report. When you're asking for a salary increase, find yourself in this report and have good data of what other ortho PAs with your responsibilities make. Check out how this differs by region or state! Sam talks with Kevin Whorton about the newest report and the continuing trends of the profession. If you are not a member of the PAOS, join today! PAOS.org
Return to Activity - Part 1 - After An Injection
What conversations do you have with your patients regarding return to activity? In Part 1, Sam, Chuck and Miles discuss steroid injections, and how a patient's goals can dictate a course of action. For a runner with knee osteoarthritis, what is important to consider?
Case Study - Scapular Dyskinesis and Functional Evaluation
Chuck Dowell, PA-C covers an interesting find in ortho urgent care. When there is a chronic injury in an athlete, consider a functional evaluation. Next week, back with Sam, Chuck, and Miles for a discussion on return to play.
Case Study: Reviewing Maisonneuve Fx
Chuck Dowell, PA-C, discusses a commonly missed lower extremity injury. Remember, don't just focus on what appears to be the location of injury, but palpate above and below. Is there soft tissue or structural damage to these areas?
What Happens When Stuff Happens - Part 4
Chuck, Miles, and Sam discuss mistakes in orthopaedics and how to ensure the best care for our patients. Part 4 of 4 includes a discussion of fracture follow-up.
What Happens When Stuff Happens - Part 3
What Happens When Stuff Happens - Part 3 by Physician Associates in Orthopaedic Surgery | Sam Dyer, PA-C, MHS, Chuck Dowell, MS, PA-C, ATC, and Miles Gilbreath, PA-C, MCHS
What Happens When Stuff Happens - Part 2
Sam Dyer, PA-C, Chuck Dowell, PA-C, and Miles Gilbreath, PA-C, share examples of mistakes in orthopedic care. Part 2 includes what happens with missed fractures, fracture angulation, and when things don't go the way you want them to.
What happens when stuff happens - Part 1
Sam Dyer, PA-C, Chuck Dowell, PA-C, and Miles Gilbreath, PA-C, share examples of mistakes in orthopedic care. Part 1 starts with a discussion of intra-artiular injections. What is in our control with sterile preparation, side-effects and patient expectations? How do we learn when we do have a mistake or a disappointing outcome?
Case Study: Pediatric Elbow Pain
Chuck Dowell, PA-C, discusses a recent Ortho Urgent Care case about a two year old complaining of lack of use of the left arm after an injury playing with her older brother.
Elbow Arthritis and Arthroplasty - Part 2
Sam shares highlights from a previous PAOS conference presentation on arthritis of the elbow. Niloofar Dehghan, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in Shoulder Care, Elbow Care, Fractures & Trauma. Follow along with the presentation on our youtube channel: https://youtu.be/LQrEbzFHnjA PAOS members have access to the videos of all previous PAOS conferences up to 2022. Check out the Learning Central for links to these videos! Category 1 CME is available for 2023 and 2024 conferences at PAOS.org for members at a discount, and at AAPA.org for non-members.
Elbow Arthritis and Arthroplasty - Part 1
Sam shares highlights from a previous PAOS conference presentation on arthritis of the elbow. Niloofar Dehghan, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in Shoulder Care, Elbow Care, Fractures & Trauma. To view the imaging that goes along with this presentation, check out our youtube channel: https://youtu.be/qBrAgIi-6U4 PAOS members have access to the videos of all previous PAOS conferences up to 2022. Check out the Learning Central for links to these videos! Category 1 CME is available for 2023 and 2024 conferences at PAOS.org for members at a discount, and at AAPA.org for non-members.
A research review of the Subscapularis-sparing Approach for Anatomical TSA
Chuck Dowell, PA-C speaks with 2024 Scholarship Winner Graham Parks, PA-S, on his research review of the Subscapularis-sparing Approach for Anatomical TSA. While the limited exposure of this approach makes it challenging for surgeons to learn, it allows for early unrestricted motion. What do we know so far about how it compares to the traditional approach? What are some considerations for patient selection?
Comprehensive treatment of dysplasia with a periacetabluar osteotomy & arthroscopy - Part 2
Part 1 of 2. Christina Thomas, PA-S is one of our 2024 scholarship winners and shares with us her presentation. Chuck Dowell, PA-C, hosts this series of interviews with Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship recipients. Learn more PAOS.org about this annual scholarship opportunity for PA students interested in orthopedics.
Case Review: Comprehensive treatment of dysplasia with a periacetabluar osteotomy and arthroscopy
Part 1 of 2. Christina Thomas, PA-S is one of our 2024 scholarship winners and shares with us her presentation. Chuck Dowell, PA-C, hosts this series of interviews with Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship recipients. Learn more PAOS.org about this annual scholarship opportunity for PA students interested in orthopedics.
Past, present and future of PAs - OUR 200TH EPISODE! Part 2 of 2
A discussion with Jennifer Orozco-Kolb, Chief Medical Officer of the American Academy of Physician Associates. OUR 200TH EPISODE! In Part 2 we discuss Optimal Team Practice, the future of the profession, and how PAs are improving healthcare access.
Past, present and future of PAs - OUR 200TH EPISODE! Part 1 of 2
A discussion with Jennifer Orozco-Kolb, Chief Medical Officer of the American Academy of Physician Associates. OUR 200TH EPISODE! In Part 1, we discuss the PA Licensure compact, name change, and how far the profession has come.
A common lower extremity pickleball injury
Chuck Dowell, PA-C discusses the increase in pickleball injuries seen with the increasing popularity of the sport. Achilles tendon ruptures and gastroc injuries or Achilles tendinopathy injuries are common. In this case study, a novice pickleball player was pushing off on his right leg, felt a pop within the right calf/Achilles tendon area, and was unable to continue to play. When do we need to do an ultrasound? When can Physical Therapy begin? How do we counsel the patient on recovery time?
Review of proximal and distal biceps tears
Chuck Dowell, PA-C, shares a case study of a common condition to orthopedic urgent care. How do you talk to a patient about a "Popeye deformity" as they consider surgical vs nonsurgical treatment? We cover mechanism of injury, physical exam, and options for treatment for proximal and distal biceps tears. Guest host Chuck Dowell, MS, PA-C, ATC is Lead Physician Assistant at Colorado Springs Orthopaedics Group Express Care.
Last Word On The AMA Scope Creep For Now
Join us next week for new clinical content! Sam discusses his opinion of the American Medical Association's campaign against the PA name change, ability to change specialties, and scope of practice. Ortho Boot Camp registration is now open! Check out PAOS.org for more info about the new offerings this year for those new to the profession or the ortho specialty.
More on the AMA's "Scope Creep" Campaign
As we return from the annual conference, a further discussion on the history of the American Medical Association and its impact on current challenges in healthcare.
Strategies in Interventional Pain Management - Neuromodulation - Part 4
What are some treatment options for patients who have had back surgery but still experience pain? Dr. Baranello, an Interventional Pain Management Specialist at EmergeOrtho in Durham, NC, discusses Neuromodulation. Part 4 concludes our interview with a case study and a discussion of patient selection. If you're in Nashvile this week for the Annual PAOS conference, come by the desk and say hi!
Strategies in Interventional Pain Management - Neuromodulation - Part 3
Dr. Baranello is an Interventional Pain Management Specialist at EmergeOrtho.Part 3 of our interview is a discussion of the trial and implant process for the spinal cord stimulator or other neuromodulation device. Limited spaces left! Join us in Nashville for the annual PAOS conference. More info and registration at PAOS.org.