Physician Assistants
& Nurse Practitioners

Tammy joined CORE Orthopedics in 2012 and Orthopedic Institute in 2019. She received her Bachelor of Science in nursing and her Master of Science in nursing from South Dakota State University. She also served as a clinical instructor for SDSU for five years, supervising undergraduate nursing students in the hospital setting.

Tammy chose a career as a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) because she loves the opportunity to educate patients about their diagnosis and options for treatment. She works closely with Orthopedic Institute physicians, providing expertise in shoulder and knee arthroscopy, articular cartilage repair, sports medicine, and total joint replacement. Watching patients in the recovery process is what Tammy finds most rewarding, knowing that they are getting back to their best.

When she’s not working, Tammy likes to spend time with her family. Her children are involved in multiple sports that keep her and her husband busy, with practices and traveling to watch them play. In addition, Tammy is the youth director at her church and serves on various sports committees in the community.

Patrick joined Orthopedic Institute in 2007. He earned a Nursing degree from the University of South Dakota and a BS degree in Physicians Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska.

Patrick furthered his career to become a PA in urgent care and orthopedics. He enjoys working closely with Dr. Baumgarten and helping people with their orthopedic issues. They focus on sports and athletic related injuries, including ACL, shoulder, elbow and patients needing arthroscopic surgery.

Outside of work, Patrick values his time with family and outdoor boating in the summer.

Emily joined Orthopedic Institute in 2012. She earned a degree in Biology from Morningside College in Sioux City and a Master of Science PA degree from Des Moines University.

Emily chose to become a PA to work with patients and provide education to help them make informed decisions. She is passionate about working at OI and believes that the staff and physicians provide the best orthopedic care in the region. She works with Dr. Jones in clinic and surgery, helping people feel better and getting them back to what they love to do. Together they focus on problems of the hand and upper extremity.

Outside of the practice she enjoys spending time with family, running, cycling, and outdoor activities at the lake in the summertime.

Ryan is from Freeman, SD and attended undergraduate school at the University of Sioux Falls, majoring in Biology. He received his Master of Science Physician Assistant Degree from the University of South Dakota.

He chose to practice at Orthopedic Institute because he wanted to participate in an independent organization delivering exceptional care. Ryan continues to work with Dr. Peterson at OI, following eleven years together at CORE Orthopedics. They provide general orthopedics and specialty services in arthroscopic surgery and total joint replacement of the shoulder, knee and hip. He gets great pleasure from getting to know patients and seeing a smile on their face, knowing that they are leaving feeling better.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, loves fishing, watching the Vikings and Gophers, and golfing. He is a clinical professor at USD and finds teaching rewarding.

Joel joined the Orthopedic Institute in 2019. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Health Sciences from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ, and a Master of Science Physician Assistant Degree from the University of South Dakota.

Joel gained valuable experience in Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine, Hospitalist Medicine, and Infectious disease prior to joining Orthopedic Institute. He prides himself on providing empathetic, patient-centered care by developing patient-provider relationships built on trust and mutual respect. He is passionate about Orthopedic Institute and believes they offer unparalleled orthopedic care that embodies compassion, innovation, and teamwork while putting the patient first. Joel works closely with Dr. Looby, providing expertise in Sports Medicine, including ACL Reconstruction, Arthroscopy of the Knee and Shoulder, and total joint replacement of the shoulder, knee, and hip. He finds being able to alleviate orthopedic pain and optimize the quality of life for patients is most rewarding.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, boating, golfing, watching the Vikings and Hawkeyes, and officiating basketball.

Angie joined Orthopedic Institute in 2019 after working with CORE Orthopedics since 2005. She graduated with a degree in occupational therapy from the University of North Dakota and received her Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Dakota.

After working as an occupational therapist on a rehab floor in the hospital, Angie decided to pursue a career as a PA. She now works closely with physicians at Orthopedic Institute and enjoys the combination of surgery and clinic. She finds it very rewarding to see patients live more fulfilled lives after surgery.

Angie enjoys spending time with her family, watching her two-year-old son as he learns new things, and, when she has time, going for a run.

Alissa joined Orthopedic Institute in 2004. She earned a degree in Biology from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago.

Alissa found her calling in orthopedics after being around sports her entire life. She partners with Dr. Watson, specializing in caring for the foot and ankle, knees, and general orthopedics. She enjoys seeing the smiles on patient faces after they recover from their injuries.

Outside of work, Alissa loves spending time with her husband and three boys. She enjoys all sporting activities, teaching Sunday school, and traveling when she can.

After graduating from the University of South Dakota with a BS degree in biology in 2012 and the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree in 2003, he began his career as a PA. He is a contributing author and editor for Orthopedics for Physician Assistants.

Michael joined OI in 2022 simultaneously as orthopedic surgeon Greg Neely, MD. He appreciates the team-friendly atmosphere at OI that prioritizes patient care. He is pleased to work closely with Dr. Neely, focusing on foot and ankle surgery and total joint replacements of the knee.

Amanda joined Orthopedic Institute in 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing as well as her Master of Science degree from South Dakota State University. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she worked closely with many of the Orthopedic Institute providers as an RN at the Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital for eight years.

Amanda works closely with Dr. Wingate in clinic and surgery, focusing on complex spine conditions. Amanda’s passion for healthcare stems from her desire to help individuals achieve and maintain optimal wellness.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family. She also loves to read, camp, hike, cycle and be outdoors.

Scott joined Orthopedic Institute in 2000. He received degrees in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from the University of Charleston and in Health/Physical Education from Marshall University, both in West Virginia, before completing his PA degree at the University of South Dakota.

Prior to completing his PA education, Scott was an athletic trainer and wanted to further his studies. He was happy to build on his experience and join an orthopedic practice to care for patients. Scott works with Dr. Adler, specializing in general orthopedics, joint revision surgery, sports medicine, total joint surgery with a focus on minimally invasive total knee and anterior total hip surgery. Scott finds it rewarding to help patients restore their ability to do the things they love to do.

During his free time, Scott likes traveling with family and friends, playing golf, exercising, and witnessing his kids involvement in sports and academics.

Chad joined Orthopedic Institute in 2001. He earned degrees in Biology and Psychology and a Master/PA degree from the University of Iowa.

Chad enjoyed science classes as a student, so being a PA was a natural career choice that allowed him to be a part of a team caring for patients. He chose to come to Orthopedic Institute when he heard of an opportunity to work with Dr. Curd, a hand specialist. He is very passionate about the hands-on aspect of orthopedics, such as the physical exam skills, being in surgery, and even putting splints and casts on.

Time after work is spent with his wife and three children, one in high school, one in middle school, and one in elementary school. When Chad has time, he enjoys playing hockey, fishing, hunting, biking, and all things outside.

Craig joined Orthopedic Institute in 1980. He earned a B.A. in Biology from Augustana College and a Health Science/PA degree from Wichita State University in Kansas.

Craig became a PA to help patients get back to their lives following an injury or illness. He found a home at Orthopedic Institute, one of the most innovative sports medicine groups in the region. Craig worked with Dr. Zoellner, until his retirement in 2020. Over the last 40 years Craig has been treating patients for sports related injuries, gender specific knee surgery, minimally invasive knee replacement, arthroscopic surgery, as well as general orthopedics.

Outside of the office, Craig enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and coaching youth sports. He has participated in medical mission trips over the years.

Courtney joined Orthopedic Institute in 2011. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Sioux Falls, a BS in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Dakota, and a Master Degree in Physician Assistant Studies with specialization in Orthopedics from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Courtney had the experience of helping her grandmother recover after a stroke and saw first-hand what it would be like to be a physician assistant and help others through medical challenges. During her studies ,she did a rotation at Orthopedic Institute and knew it was the place for her. Today, she works with all OI physicians on workers’ compensation claims and fills in when needed in the walk-in clinic. She enjoys the variety in her practice and strives to impact each patient’s experience in a positive light.

During her time outside of work, Courtney keeps busy with her family and enjoys living in the country. She loves exploring along the river, by foot or on an ATV. She is active in raising awareness for epilepsy and autism in the community.

Melissa joined Orthopedic Institute in 2014. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Technology from Mount Marty College and a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Dakota.

Melissa previously was an X-ray technician and chose to advance her career to become a PA. During her studies, she completed clinical rotations at the OI clinic in Yankton and decided she wanted to work in orthopedics. She decided to join the team at OI Now, the Yankton walk-in clinic, and provides a variety of patient care. Melissa loves patient interaction and finds it very rewarding to help find solutions to orthopedic issues and improve everyday lives of patients.

Melissa spends her time outside of work with her family, attending her children’s sporting events, golfing, gardening, and painting. She also enjoys traveling when she has the opportunity.

Chris joined Orthopedic Institute in 1994. He graduated from the University of North Texas and earned a Master/PA degree from Baylor College of Medicine.

Chris loves the medical field and helping patients achieve their goals. He joined OI because he wanted to practice with the best surgeons in the region, that have remained independent from corporate medicine. He works closely with Dr. Hermanson providing care for advanced arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, hip and knee, as well as total knee replacement and general orthopedics with an emphasis in sports medicine. Chris finds it very satisfying to see patients healed, improve their function and return to a healthy lifestyle.

Outside of work Chris enjoys spending time with his family, hunting and outdoor activities.

Melissa joined Orthopedic Institute in 2019. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Biology and a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Dakota.

Melissa pursued a career as a Physician Assistant to be able to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to patients. She practices evidence-based medicine while still taking the time to listen to patients to get to the root of their problems. Having grown up in a small town near Sioux Falls, she saw firsthand Orthopedic Institute’s reputation of providing high-quality healthcare and is excited to be a part of the team.  She enjoys seeing patients succeed after treatment and return to their previous standard of living.

Outside of the office, Melissa enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She also loves playing and watching soccer, baking, and traveling.

Allison joined Orthopedic Institute in 2012. She earned a degree in Athletic Training from Dakota Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in PA studies from the University of South Dakota.

Allison has always been involved in sports and her athletic training led her to choose a career, as a PA in orthopedics. She works closely with Dr. Rothrock and together they focus on hip and knee joint reconstruction and revision surgery, minimally invasive direct anterior hip replacement, pelvic and extremity trauma, and arthroscopic surgery. Allison finds her work extremely rewarding as she observes the transformation is a patient’s life in just a few weeks following surgery.

After working hours, Allison enjoys time with her husband and daughter, going on walks, attending Dakota Wesleyan basketball games, and visiting her and her husband’s parents at the lake and river.