Trae joined Orthopedic Institute in 2018. He received an Athletic Training degree from Dakota Wesleyan University and a PA degree from the University of South Dakota.

The reason Trae chose to become a PA was to help people. As a local high school athlete, he received care at Orthopedic Institute and later spent five weeks rotating with the OI doctors as a PA student. The family atmosphere and the elite level of orthopedic care were things that drew him further to OI.

Trae works with Dr. Peter Looby and enjoys seeing people succeed after surgery. He greatly appreciates the daily interaction with patients and the feeling he gets from helping them return to sports, hobbies, and their daily activities. Outside of work he enjoys playing golf with friends and family and volunteers as an assistant coach for O’Gorman boys basketball team.

Tammy joined CORE Orthopedics in 2012. 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 PA because she loves the opportunity to educate patients about their diagnosis and options for treatment. She works closely with Dr. Kalo, 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 she and her husband busy, with practices and traveling to watch them play. In addition, Tammy is youth director at her church and serves on various sports committees in the community.

Mary recently joined Orthopedic Institute after working with CORE Orthopedics since 2008. She has her Bachelor of Science and Master’s degree in Nursing/Nurse Practitioner from South Dakota State University.

Mary enjoys the orthopedic specialty and works with Dr. Alvine, focused on foot/ankle and spine diagnosis and treatment. She is fulfilled by the close patient contact she has, from the preoperative period through convalescence after surgery.

When not at work, Mary’s family is her top priority and she enjoys exercising, going to movies, sporting events, and travel.

Patrick joined Orthopedic Institute in 2007. He earned a Nursing degree from the University of South Dakota and a B.S. 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.

Andrew joined Orthopedic Institute in 2018. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of South Dakota, where he also received a Master of Science Physician Assistant degree.

Andrew chose to work at OI because of the incredible reputation in the region as an exceptional orthopedic facility. He enjoys the dedicated team and the connection to the community. Andrew works with Dr. Geisinger in clinic as they focus on patient needs from general spine care and surgery to degenerative conditions, joint surgery and general orthopedics. He enjoys getting to know patients on a personal level, while seeing them achieve a better quality of life.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and Siberian Husky, Harlow, as they pursue outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and traveling.

Pamela joined Orthopedic Institute in 2019. She earned her BSN degree from Presentation College of Nursing in Aberdeen. She received her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree in 2009 and her doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) in 2017 from Frontier Nursing University.

Pamela is a South Dakota native and was inspired by her father who was a chiropractor and acupuncturist. He taught her the love of medicine and instilled the desire for lifelong learning. She chose to work at OI because she was impressed with the history and mission of the clinic
along with the very highly respected physicians and fabulous team.

Pamela focuses on chronic pain patients with Dr. Brunz. They provide treatments for neuropathy, joint, neck and back related pain, and spinal cord stimulator implants. Additionally, she serves as adjunct faculty for an online nurse practitioner program. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughters and friends as well as traveling, biking, and gardening.

Ryan is from Freeman, SD and attended undergraduate school at the University of Sioux Falls, majoring in biology. He received his master’s in PA 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.

Courtney joined Orthopedic Institute in 2011. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Sioux Falls, a B.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Dakota, and a master’s 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.

Angie joined Orthopedic Institute in 2005. She graduated with a degree in occupational therapy from the University of North Dakota and received her masters in PA 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 Dr. Watts and enjoys the combination of surgery and clinic. Together they provide care related to arthroscopic surgery, sports medicine, minimally invasive joint replacement, and general orthopedics. 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 PA degree 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.

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.

Heath joined Orthopedic Institute in 2012. He earned a degree in Biology from Northwestern College and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Iowa.

Heath was influenced to become a PA by his parents, who both had medical backgrounds. He was a hospital corpsman with the Marines as a young adult and naturally gravitated toward orthopedics, having been active in athletics. OI was Heath’s top choice to start his career because of its reputation as the “one to trust” for orthopedic care. He works alongside Dr. Carlson, an orthopedic spine surgeon who has also completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics. Additionally, they manage total knee and hip replacement surgery, as well as general orthopedics.

Heath is proud to be part of a team of individuals that make OI great. Outside of work, he spends as much time with family as possible, including his wife and three beautiful little girls. Their activities range from outdoor activities to family popcorn and movie night. Heath also enjoys hunting and football.

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.

Ryan joined Orthopedic Institute in 2015. He earned a degree in Biology and a Master of Science PA degree from the University of South Dakota.

Ryan was inspired to become a PA by his mother and brother who have careers in healthcare. He came to OI because of the opportunity to work with the high caliber of surgeons and their expertise. He works in the OI Now, walk in clinic treating acute injuries and enjoys helping the variety of patients he encounters.

Outside of work he enjoys staying active and spending time with his wife and children. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the South Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants (SDAPA).

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. He works with Dr. Zoellner, 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.

Cassie joined Orthopedic Institute in 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Sioux Falls and a Master of Science Physician Assistant degree from the University of South Dakota.

Cassie loved working in the ER in undergraduate school and was intrigued by working in the Walk-in Clinic at Orthopedic Institute when she launched her career as a PA. She works with Dr. Wingate, specializing in comprehensive spine care and surgery, degenerative conditions of the spine, spine deformity/scoliosis, cervical disc replacement, and conservative spine care. Cassie enjoys the team atmosphere at OI and interacting with her patients.

When she has time outside of work, Cassie enjoys spending time with her husband and baby daughter, watching movies, being outdoors, running, and biking.

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.