Physician assistants are certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) – a mark of professional accomplishment – and state-licensed. They are health professionals who practice medicine as members of a team with their supervising physicians. PAs deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations in rural and urban settings. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications.
At Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence, Physician assistants practice medicine as members of a team with their supervising physician(s). They conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications.
Sarah D'Andrea, PA-C
Sarah obtained her undergraduate degree from Wittenberg University (Springfield, OH) and then attended Arcadia University (near Philadelphia, PA) to complete a Masters in Medical Science. She also received a concurrent certificate in Physician Assistant Studies. She spent five years (near Chicago, IL) in the operating room assisting in sports medicine, total joint replacements, and hand surgeries.
In her career at Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence Sarah spent time in sports medicine and total joint replacement departments. Her current focus is working in the office with spine specialists Dr. William Fitz and Dr. Nancy Vaughan.
Professional memberships: American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
Ohio Association of Physician Assistants (OAPA).
Sarah is married and has a son. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and sports.
Bryan Hollingsworth, MSHS, PA-C
Bryan is originally from Port Clinton, OH. He performed his undergraduate course work at The Ohio State University where he graduated Cum Laude with distinction in Psychology. He then worked at Riverside Methodist Hospital as an operating room assistant for three years. During this time he gained an affinity for medicine and working in orthopedic surgery. Bryan attended the Cuyahoga/Cleveland State University physician assistant program, where he graduated with a Master's degree in 2010. He worked in spine surgery for one year in Cleveland before choosing to return to Columbus to work with Dr. Melaragno, who Bryan assists with new patient evaluations, post-operative issues, and all surgical procedures.
He is currently a member of the Ohio Physician Assistant Association and the American Association of Physician Assistants. During his spare time Bryan enjoys football, golfing, tennis, fishing, lifting, and running.
Ronald Hopkins, PA-C
Ron holds a degree from The University of Kentucky in Physician Assistant Studies, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Ron currently is a Major in The Ohio Army National Guard and has been awarded The Bronze Star, Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Ron has 13 years of Orthopedic surgical assisting experience with total joint replacements. Not only does Ron assist Dr. McShane in surgery but also assists in office with new patient evaluations and post operative issues. Ron has also volunteered his services for medical missions abroad. Ron has been married since 1985 and has 3 sons.
Robert 'Bob' Waterman PA-C
US Navy veteran
Associate in Arts, Phoenix college, Phoenix AZ. 1981
Bachelor of Science Degree; King's College, WIlkes Barre, PA 1983
Bachelor in Physician Assistant; King's College, Wilkes BArre, PA 1983
Surgical Residency for PA's; Montefiore Hospital & Medical Center & Albert Einstein Hospital, Bronx, NYC 1984
Bob has worked in orthopedics for the past 21 years and specifically spine surgery at OOCE since 2002. He is married with three boys.
Erin Witchey, PA-C
Midwstern University - Masters in Physician Assistant studies
Hobbies-Soccer- University of Kentucky 2000-2004
Ironman Triathlon - Cedar point 2010
American Society of Orthopedic Physicians Assistants
Erin grew up in Upper Arlington, Ohio and is proud to be back home working alongside Dr. Joe Mileti and Dr. Scott Van Steyn. Erin assists the surgeons both in the office and in surgery.
