Mid Level Providers

Physician Assistants (PA)

Physician Assistants (PA) are highly-trained health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. At Orthopedic Associates, PAs are an important part of our team. They obtain medical histories, conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and prescribe medication.

PAs are trained in intensive education programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Our PAs are certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physical Assistants are licensed in the State of Ohio.

Because of the close working relationship PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training. Upon graduation, physician assistants take a national certification examination developed by the National Commission on Certification of PAs in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners. To maintain their national certification, PAs must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a recertification every six years. Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program and passage of the national certifying exam are required for state licensure.

Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services.

 

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Our NP's are registered nurses who have a minimum advanced education of a master’s degree, are nationally certified in their specialty, and are trained in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions. NP's treat both acute and chronic medical problems through comprehensive history taking, physical exam, ordering and interpreting of diagnostic studies, and prescribing medications and therapies for the patient. The NP works very closely with their collaborative physician.

Deborah Basinger (NP)

Originally from Connecticut, Deborah Basinger has lived in Ohio for 25 years. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Wright State University, and she is nationally certified in her field. Deborah is a family nurse practitioner and has been in practice for 15 years. She works closely with Dr. Jeffrey Rogers D.O. in pain management.

Chris Boyce (MPAS, PA-C)

Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Professions, as well as a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Kettering College of Medical Arts where he graduated as an Honors Scholar. Chris is board certified as a physician assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is registered in the state of Ohio. He is a fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), coupled with the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants (OAPA). His specialties include orthopedic surgery and emergency medicine. Chris partners with Dr. Lance Tigyer.

Nicole Burgbacher (MPAS, PA-C)

Nicole earned a Bachelor of Science at Marietta College in Sports Medicine. In 2004, she received her Physician Assistant certification from Kettering College of Medical Arts. Since graduation, Nicole has worked in orthopedics and has been with OASWO since 2007. Recently, Nicole moved north to be the Sidney Physician Assistant, working mainly with Dr. Heckler. She believes it is important to spend extra time helping patients understand their conditions and thoroughly explaining their options.

Originally from Warren, Ohio, Nicole has relocated to Fort Loramie, Ohio where her husband is the high school’s head football coach. Nicole loves following high school sports, especially football. She enjoys boot camp classes, running, and entertaining her two young children.

Katie Burris (MPAS, PA-C)

Katie Burris earned her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Kettering College of Medical Arts. She also received her Bachelor of Science from Kettering in Human Biology. In addition to being well educated, Katie is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, as well as the Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery. Katie assists in surgery and visits patients at the Little York and Yankee office locations. She works closely with both Dr. Urse and Dr. DiCicco.

Carla Robinson (MPAS, PA-C)

Originally from North Dakota, Carla Robinson earned her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences and Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Oklahoma. Her previous work experience involved specializing in Orthopedic Surgery, but for the past two years, Carla has concentrated on upper extremity surgery. In her free time, she enjoys being with her two children, running, and traveling. Carla was hand selected to work with Dr. Brent Bamberger and Dr. Tim Harman at the Hand Center.