Orthopedic & Emergency Medicine PA Expert Witness

EXPERIENCED LEADER, EDUCATOR, MENTOR, DIVERSLY SKILLED,
DOCTORATE TRAINED PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATE

Doctoral Trained Physician Associate extensively skilled in EBM with 20 years of experience in clinical practice, education, advocacy, leadership, mentorship, and innovation in Emergency Medicine (CAQ), Orthopedics, Critical Care, Inpatient and Outpatient Internal Medicine. Passion for educating and mentoring PA students and junior PAs, servant leadership, innovation, advocacy, Healthcare Law, diversity/equity/inclusion, optimal team practice, and forward thinking in the movement of solidarity for Physician Associates now and into the future. The Distinguished Fellow recognition bestowed by the AAPA signifying the highest level of professional achievement and recognition attainable within the PA field reflecting a profound commitment to advancing the PA profession, exceptional dedication to patient care, and a significant contribution to the broader healthcare community. Board member for MAPA, ADPA, and APALM showing unyielding advocacy and professional development for not only self but the PA Profession as a whole. Over 16 years serving as a community practice educator of both aspiring PAs and PA students in Emergency Medicine and Orthopedics. Completed Leadership and Management Training with a Certificate from the Center of Healthcare Leadership and Management (CHLM) through the AAPA. Driven to leverage deep understanding of healthcare system, leadership, management, mentorship, advocacy, legislative work, to deliver a bold and strategic course for PAs to meet the needs and demands of our evolving healthcare system. Demonstrable history of unyielding advocacy, who has been proactive, innovative, strategic in focus to represent PAs through our movement as healthcare leaders to meet the demands of our patients.

ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP AND ADVANCED TRAINING

• Advanced training from the Institute on Healthcare Improvement: Triple Aim, Quality and Safety, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Management, Quality Improvement, Advanced Communication, and Patient Centered Care.
• FEMA advanced training for Healthcare Providers.
• Staffing, strategic collaboration, onboarding, Lean, Directorship, healthcare utilization review, population management, advocacy, special interest groups.
• Participant in various ED and Health System committees.
• MAPA Leadership Task Force Committee Member

STRENGTHS & EXPERIENCE

• Extensive Clinical Knowledge in Multiple Disease States
• Scientific Education and Mentorship
• Development & Presentation of Complex Clinical Information
• Proven Self-Starter
• Ethical, Unbiased, and Impactful Leader
• Educator of PA students since 2007
• Thought Leader & Health System Leadership Relationships
• Evidence Generation & Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Innovative, Forward Thinking, and Proactive
• Strategic and Expert Understanding of HCS
• Multidisciplinary Collaborator

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

A Private Academy of Doctoral Physicians 2023 – Present
Director at Large

• Tasked with fostering connections with academic institutions to promote the growth and development of future physician associates. By engaging with these programs, I contribute to shaping the educational landscape for aspiring healthcare professionals and ensuring the alignment of curriculum with the evolving needs of the medical field.
• Additionally, my involvement in the committee tasked with creating a medical conference is centered on designing a platform that facilitates the exchange of cutting-edge medical knowledge, fosters networking among healthcare practitioners, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. This entails coordinating with speakers, sponsors, and attendees to curate a rich educational experience that addresses pertinent medical topics and advancements.
• Furthermore, taking part in the creation of a medical podcast adds another dimension to my role. Through this medium, I can disseminate information, insights, and discussions on healthcare trends, research breakthroughs, and clinical best practices.

Massachusetts Association of Physician Associates 2023 – Present
Director at Large

• Skills: Legislative Relations | Federal Regulations | Legislative Issues | Government Advocacy | Public Policy | Budgetary decisions | Student Engagement
• Dynamic blend of skills encompassing legislative acumen, regulatory expertise, and proactive government advocacy, I contribute to the strategic direction of MAPA
• My commitment to advancing the PA profession, coupled with a keen understanding of budgetary considerations and the intricacies of public policy aids in the pivotal role of elevating the impact of the association and promoting quality healthcare for all patients within the commonwealth.

Leadership Task Force

• Collaborative committee member committed to spearheading efforts to drive positive transformations within the PA profession across Massachusetts, with a focus on promoting leadership training and advancing opportunities for PA career growth.
  • develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance the recognition, scope, advancement, partnerships, leadership roles, and impact of PAs within the healthcare landscape in Massachusetts.

Industry Relations Chair

• Pivotal role in fostering collaboration and partnerships between MAPA and various industry stakeholders.
• Bridge between the medical community and the corporate sector, working to advance medical knowledge and patient care through strategic partnerships.

Association of Physician Assistants in Legal Medicine 2023 – Present

• Board member tasked with spearheading educational initiatives for Physician Assistants (PAs) and PA students, focusing on healthcare law, risk management, documentation, and coding.
• Editorial board for medical-legal newsletters targeting healthcare professionals, ensuring the dissemination of accurate and up-to-date information.
• Leveraging extensive consultant experience to offer expert insights and guidance on matters related to medical malpractice.
• Part of collaborating with cross-functional team aiming to develop comprehensive curriculum content, workshops, and seminars that will enhance PA student and PAs in professional practice’s understanding of legal aspects in medicine.
• Contributing to strategic decision-making processes within the association to align initiatives with the evolving landscape of healthcare regulations and legal practices.

Tufts School of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program, Boston, MA – 2015 – Present
Adjunct Faculty, Clinical Instructor
Experienced Clinical Instructor with expertise in medical education, presentation building, and team management across the organization.

• Successfully trained and supervised numerous PA students to prepare them for careers in emergency medicine, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Developed and implemented curriculum for community-based Emergency Medicine program, resulting in a significant improvement in students’ understanding and proficiency in emergency medicine.

South Shore Orthopedics, Hingham, MA – 2003 – 2005 & 2023 – present
Orthopedic Physician Associate
Orthopedic Physician Associate with a strong foundation in patient care and expertise in orthopedic injuries.

• Hand Surgical and Orthopedic Trauma coverage for a maternity leave including fast paced office and surgical center care of a diverse set of patients with upper extremity injuries.
• Mentored new and junior PAs on updated billing, clinical, and professional practice standards.
• Developed and presented education materials for patients and their families on orthopedic injury prevention and management.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to develop comprehensive care plans for orthopedic patients ensuring continuity of care and positive patient outcomes.
• First Assistant and surgical procedures ensuring safe and efficient surgeries with the team of 5 orthopedic surgeons.
• Manage patient’s pre and postoperatively for both inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures utilizing organizational skills to maintain a high level of patient care and satisfaction.
• Participated as a member of the sports medicine staff for local athletic events utilizing strong communication and patient education skills to prevent and manage orthopedic injuries in athletes.
• Contributed to a positive patient experience by providing patient education and support during recovery leading to high patient satisfaction scores and improved outcomes.

Lawrence General Hospital, Lawrence, MA – 2023 – present
Emergency Medicine Physician Associate
•Locums Emergency Medicine coverage for a critical access hospital providing all aspects of expert emergency care for a mostly Spanish speaking underserved population.

South Shore Health System, South Weymouth, MA – 2005 – Present
Emergency Medicine Physician Associate
Experienced Emergency Medicine Physician Associate with proven ability to communicate complex medical information effectively leading to measurable success. Adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare providers, mentoring and coaching team members, conducting research projects, and leading implementation of new programs to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Leadership Initiatives

• Spearheaded the Lead Physician Associate role, optimizing scheduling and delivery of patient care with Advanced Practice Practitioners (APPs) in the emergency department, resulting in a more efficient and streamlined patient care process.
• Lead Physician Associate from 2006-2008. Senior Mentor, staff educator, lead committee representative, POCUS APC lead, and special initiative collaborator/innovator.
• Utilize strong communication and presentation skills to develop and present educational program on strategies for ED avoidance, which was presented to other health systems and urgent care centers, contributing to improved patient care across the region.
• Evaluated, recommended, and led implementation of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) program, utilizing project management skills to ensure successful implementation and adoption by healthcare providers across the organization.
• Key facilitator that drove multiple triage implementations and other key emergency department data points
• Participate in hospital committees (Antimicrobial, P&T, and Anticoagulation Committees) and multidisciplinary meetings, collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and specialties to develop and implement new procedures to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Population Health Initiative

• Developed and presented educational programs on strategies for ED avoidance to other health systems and urgent care centers, utilizing strong communication and presentation building skills to contribute to improved patient care across the region.
• Conducted major research project compiling and evaluating patient data from urgent care centers to develop ED avoidance strategies, presenting study findings and recommendations to executive leadership, including department heads and C-Suite executives within the health system.
• Utilize strong communication and presentation skills to develop and present educational program on strategies for ED avoidance, which was presented to other health systems and urgent care centers, contributing to improved patient care across the region.
• Conducted major research project compiling and evaluating patient data from urgent care centers to develop ED avoidance strategies, presenting study findings and recommendations to executive leadership, including department heads and C-Suite executives within the health system.
• Developed and presented educational programs on strategies for ED avoidance to other health systems and urgent care centers, utilizing strong communication and presentation building skills to contribute to improved patient care across the region.

Educational Initiatives:

• Mentor and supervise PA students during emergency medicine rotations, demonstrating leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills that are valuable in any team-oriented work environment.
• Consistently nominated by PA students as an outstanding, influential, and impactful preceptor
• Collaborated with the team to create innovative and interactive learning materials, such as simulation and scenario-based learning that increased student engagement and participation in the program.

Clinical Performance/Professional Competency Skills:

• Educate patients and family members on medical conditions, treatment plans, medications, and ongoing care after discharge or transfer from the emergency department, utilizing strong communication and patient education skills.
• Long tenured, expert credentialed ER PA treating all levels of patients with CV, infectious disease, endocrine, pulmonary, oncology, hematologic, GI, immunologic, orthopedic, renal, ENT, ophthalmologic, behavioral health, addiction, neurology, allergy/immunology, rheumatologic, dermatologic, or women’s health emergencies.
• Consistent leader in patient productivity for large group of APCs in all acute and semi-acute areas of large and exceedingly busy ED while also continually mentoring and teaching students and early career providers.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare providers to develop care plans for complicated patient cases, effectively communicating complex medical information to patients and their families.

South Shore Health System, South Weymouth, MA Per Diem 2010 – 2012, 2023-present
Leveraged extensive experience in healthcare system, strong fundamental orthopedic skills to staff orthopedic trauma coverage part time in addition to Emergency Department PA responsibilities.

• Served as a surgical first assistant during orthopedic surgeries, developing skills in surgical procedures and attention to detail.
• Educated patients and colleagues on medical issues, building presentations, and communicating complex medical information in an easily understandable way.
• Worked in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, developing strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

Orthopedic Physician Associate, Per Diem 2023-present
Critical Care Physician Associate, Per Diem 2017 – 2022
Hospitalist Medicine Physician Associate, Per Diem 2014 – 2018
Extensive experience as a clinical care provider in critical care, hospitalist medicine, and orthopedic. Track record of adapting quickly to changing circumstances and delivering high-quality. Expert clinical care provider in critical care, hospitalist medicine, and orthopedic surgery, with a track record of treating high acuity patients with complex medical conditions.

• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement treatment plans, honing skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership.
• Leveraged emergency medicine and critical care expertise to treat COVID patients in the ICU, demonstrating the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and to provide high-quality care in high-pressure situations.
• Served as a surgical first assistant during orthopedic surgeries, developing skills in surgical procedures and attention to detail.
• Educated patients and colleagues on medical issues, building presentations, and communicating complex medical information in an easily understandable way.
• Worked in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, developing strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

South Shore Medical Center, a South Shore Health affiliated clinic, Norwell, MA 2008 – 2014
Internal Medicine / Urgent Care Physician Associate
Dedicated Physician Associate with a strong background in Internal Medicine and Urgent Care committed to providing high-quality patient care for both acute and chronic medical issue

• Educated patients on the treatment options, procedures, and management of chronic medical conditions with a focus on clear communication and patient empowerment.
• Served as Director of Advanced Practice Practitioners, providing leadership and oversight to a team of APPs, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment, and driving team performance to achieve exceptional patient outcomes.
• Developed a comprehensive strategy for an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure program success and compliance.
• Successfully managed and integrated data from multiple sources to coordinate care for patients within a complex Accountable Care Organization (ACO) affiliated health system, resulting in improved care quality, streamlined processes, and increased patient satisfaction.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient care and implemented effective ED avoidance strategies, resulting in a reduction in ED visits.

New England Sinai Hospital, Stoughton, MA 2007 – 2010
Hospitalist Physician Associate, Per Diem
Per diem Hospitalist Physician Associate with extensive experience providing comprehensive medical care to patient’s long-term care setting. Educated patients on medical conditions and treatment plans for acute and chronic medical issues.

• Provided comprehensive medical care to patients in long-term care setting, which involved development treatment plans, managing patient care, and monitoring patient progress, providing me with the valuable experience in medical terminology, patient management, and treatment options.
• Educated patients and family members on their medical conditions, treatment plans, utilizing strong communication skills to translate complex medical information into understandable language.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, therapists, to provide optimal patient care, showcasing my ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Contributed to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction by providing compassionate care and support, showcasing my ability to provide patient-centered care in a meaningful and impactful way.

EDUCATIONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Doctorate of Medical Science, 2022
University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, VA
•Summa cum laude, 4.0 GPA
•Doctorate Thesis: Acute Epistaxis Management; JAAPA professional publication pending.

Master in Physician Assistant Studies, 2003

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA

Bachelors of Arts in Psychology/Pre-Medical, 2000
Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA

ENTREPENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS ACUMEN
Healthcare Consulting 2017 – Present
Experience healthcare consultant with extensive clinical experience and emergency medicine, internal medicine, critical care, and orthopedics leveraging experienced to provide valuable insights and feedback on medical devices and pharmaceuticals to optimize patient outcomes.

• Skilled at utilizing evidence-based approaches to evaluate products and provide ongoing actionable recommendations to enhance patient care and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with key facilitators from medical device and pharmaceutical companies to develop and communicate evidence-based strategies to effectively convey complex medical information to nonmedical audiences.
• Provide expert medical input and advice to internal teams and external clients, contributing to the development of clinical trial protocols, product marketing materials and other medical communication materials.

Medicolegal Consulting 5/17 – Present
Highly accomplished Doctorate Trained Physician Associate with a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Emergency Medicine, offering over 18 years of exceptional experience in the field serving as an Independent Consultant and Expert Witness for Physician Associates in Emergency Medicine for over 6 years across plaintiff and defense cases. Renowned for objective case analysis, meticulous review of medical records, and unwavering commitment to upholding the standard of care. Proven expertise in providing vital contributions to medical negligence claims, including preparation of affidavits of merit, guidance during discovery, and delivery of expert opinions and video depositions.

Key Competencies:

• Independent Consultant & Expert Witness
• Objective Case Analysis
• Standard of Care Adherence
• Medical Record Review
• Affidavit of Merit Preparation
• Discovery Process Guidance
• Expert Opinion Development
• Video Depositions
• Plaintiff & Defense Cases

Licensure & Certifications

• Massachusetts PA License
• Distinguished Fellow American Academy of Physician Associate
• NCCPA-CAQ certified as a PA in Emergency Medicine
• Certificate from the Center of Healthcare, Leadership, and Management
• Concussion Management-IMPACT
• FEMA – Emergency Management
• Ambulatory Dermatologic Procedures
• Emergency/Critical Care and Procedural Ultrasound
• ACLS, PALS, ATLS

Professional Affiliations

• American Academy of Physician Associates
• Massachusetts Association of Physician Assistants
• Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants
• Academy of Physician Assistants in Legal Medicine
• Academy of Doctoral Physician Assistants