Nevada Spine Clinic Website

What is a Physician Assistant?

Physician assistants have been a part of the health care system since the 1960's. Licensed by the state, physician assistants (PA) provide a broad range of medical and surgical services under the supervision of a physician. PA's are an important part of a multi-disciplinary medical team with the supervising physician determining which patients the PA will treat. Regular consultation between the physician, PA and patient ensures high quality, comprehensive patient care.

Physician assistants are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training. Under the supervision of a physician, they are able to conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illness, order and interpret tests, counsel patients, assist in surgery, make rounds in hospitals and write prescriptions. An important part of a PA's training involves an acute understanding of when it is appropriate to have the patient seen by the physician. The patients who see a PA are those who require routine or less complicated treatment. The PA is a representative of the physician, treating the patient in the style and manner developed and directed by the supervising physician. The PA may see patients independently although the physician is available physically or by telephone at all times.

At the Nevada Spine Clinic, a patient may be seen by a PA on an initial visit to discuss medical history, their present medical condition, order initial x-rays and discuss a course of treatment. Patients may also see the PA for routine medication refills, pre-operative and post operative counseling, as well as in the hospital prior to and following surgery.

The Nevada Spine Clinic's Physician Assistant Team

Jerry Connelly, M.ED., PA-C

Mr. Connelly received his Physician Assistant degree from the Drexel University Physician Assistant Program. He has been working as a PA in the field of Orthopaedic spine and trauma with both surgical and clinical experience. He is capable and qualified to assist in the management of our patients at the Nevada Spine Clinic. In addition to his training as a PA, Mr. Connelly received his M.Ed. in Sports Medicine bringing to the medical practice extensive knowledge in biomechanics, physiology and rehabilitation.

Kelly Noel, PA-C

Ms. Noel received her Physician Assistant degree from the School of Physician Assistant Studies, Touro University Nevada after graduating from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in Biological Sciences. She also served our nation in the United States Marine Corps. Ms. Noel is bright, capable and well-liked by our patient population. She is highly capable and qualified to assist in the management of our patients at the Nevada Spine Clinic.

At the Nevada Spine Clinic, we strive to provide the highest quality care. We are confident that our patients will find Mr. Connelly and Ms. Noel valuable members of our spine care team.