Exeter, NH – October 6, 2011 – Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics would like to honor our great team of Certified Physician Assistants to kick-off 2011 National Physician Assistant Week. A Physician Assistant is a healthcare professional licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. At Access Sports Medicine, our Physician Assistants play an integral role in the day-to-day operations of our clinics. Experienced in all facets of orthopaedic and sports medicine care, Physician Assistants treat patients in the office, assist in surgery, and participate in surgical follow-up care among many other responsibilities. At Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, we are fortunate to have three stellar Physician Assistants on our team.
Christopher L. Wheeler, PA-C, joined the staff as a Physician Assistant at Access Sports Medicine in December 1997. He is now our Senior Physician Assistant in his 14th year with the practice and is the Director of the Physician Assistant Program. Originally from Western New York, he graduated summa cum laude from Ithaca College in 1993 with a B.S. in Exercise Science. While at Ithaca he received the professional excellence award from the Department of Exercise of Sports Sciences. He then graduated with honors from Emory University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program in 1996 with a Master’s of Medical Science degree.
In 2000, the staff at Access Sports Medicine nominated him for Physician Assistant of the year for the State of New Hampshire. He is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant and assists in surgery for Joshua A. Siegel, MD.
Sonya R. Justus, PA-C, is a Physician Assistant with experience in both orthopaedics and general practice medicine. Sonya studied at Ohio State University and graduated Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Kettering College of the Medical Arts. She completed her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies in April 2010. Prior to receiving her certification as a Physician Assistant she worked in an emergency room and trauma setting as a suture and orthopaedic technician. She has significant experience with casting, splinting and suturing and has been an educator in a hospital setting. In 2011, Sonya attended an International Conference on Lyme Disease in Germany.
Sonya is available to see patients in our Portsmouth office and provides surgical assisting services for Dr. Matthew Quitkin.
Christina E. Zaika, PA-C, is the newest member of our physician assistant team with just over one year with Access Sports Medicine. Chrissy is a Physician Assistant that joined our practice after completing her Master of Science degree in Syracuse, New York. Chrissy completed a dual major in Biology and Educational Studies to earn her undergraduate degree at Colgate University and was a stand-out on both the Varsity Swim Team and Varsity Lacrosse Team. She graduated with her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies in August 2010 from Le Moyne College in Syracuse.
Chrissy has more than six years of experience working in an orthopaedic setting and provides an assist in surgery for Dr. David Davis.