Melissa Starrs
Summary
Dedicated Physician Assistant with 10+ years of experience in orthopedics seeking a position in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Committed to improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life through evidence-based treatment and multidisciplinary team approach.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physician Assistant
Corewell Health East - Troy Beaumont
Troy, USA
09.2015 - Current
- Performs bedside procedures, including joint aspirations / injections, suturing, splinting, and wound vac applications
- Collaborates with surgeons to manage high volume inpatient orthopedic spine, joint, and ortho trauma patients post-operatively, with emphasis on spine
- Obtains patient history, physical exams, and interprets imaging including X-ray, CT, and MRI
- Manages complex chronic and acute pain, using multi-modal approach
- Responds to and manages emergent situations, including rapid assessment and escalation of care
- Strong multidisciplinary approach with other service lines to optimize patient care
- Well-versed with ERAS protocols, improving patient outcomes
- Spear-headed improvement of metrics in discharge opioid prescribing for Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MSSIC)
- Mentors PA students
ER Tech
Beaumont Health System
Troy, USA
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Responded to code situations and administered CPR to stabilize patients in critical conditions
- Collected vitals, specimens, and performed point-of-care labs to support timely diagnosis and treatment
- Splinted fractures and educated patients on home care and follow-up to ensure proper recovery
- Performed peripheral line placements
Education
Master of Science - Physician Assistant Studies
University of Detroit Mercy
01-2015
Bachelor of Civil Engineering -
University of Detroit Mercy
01-1996
Skills
- Patient assessment
- Pain management
- Imaging interpretation
- Bedside procedures
- Emergency response
- Clinical collaboration
- Patient education
Certification
- MI State Physician Assistant
- MI DEA
- MI Controlled Substance
- Advanced Training in Pain Management, OUWB School of Medicine
- BLS
- National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants
- Registered with Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS)
Timeline
Physician Assistant
Corewell Health East - Troy Beaumont
09.2015 - Current
ER Tech
Beaumont Health System
01.2011 - 01.2015
Master of Science - Physician Assistant Studies
University of Detroit Mercy
Bachelor of Civil Engineering -
University of Detroit Mercy