Sarah E. Schmitz
Saline,MI
Summary
Experienced Physician Associate skilled in examining patient histories, assessing conditions and conducting physical examinations. Professionally develops individualized treatment plans to deal with symptoms and root causes. Works thoroughly, precisely and with balanced approach incorporating patient needs and optimal treatments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Physician Associate
Michigan Pain Specialists
Ann Arbor, USA
06.2017 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and develop personalized treatment plans for new and existing acute and chronic pain patients.
- Order and review X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans and other imaging and lab studies, in collaboration with supervising physician, to diagnose and effectively treat pain conditions.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary team (including pain psychologist, clinic physicians, addictionologist, and PM&R) to create appropriate treatment plans based on patient history, pain pathology, MMPI2, and test results.
- Prescribe and modify medications including controlled substances with DEA regulations.
- Manage patients with opioid tolerance by transitioning patients to Suboxone and/or opioid tapering.
- Instruct and counsel patients regarding goals of pain management treatment, compliance with prescribed medication regimens, and medication side effects.
- Assess and screen patients for mental health issues associated with chronic pain and prescribe medication and/or make appropriate referrals.
- Management of neurostimulators including trial lead removal.
- Management of intrathecal pain pumps including regular pump refills utilizing sterile technique and ultrasound guidance along with regular pump checks and dose adjustments in collaboration with supervising physician.
- Post-operative wound care assessment and management.
- Complete ultrasound guided injections of shoulders, wrists, elbows, knees, trochanteric bursa, carpal tunnel, and botox for migraine.
- Provide mentorship and training to new physician associates on clinical procedures.
- Monitor patient progress through follow-up visits to ensure effectiveness of treatments.
- Conduct comprehensive history and physical examinations for pre-surgical patients.
Patient Care Tech Associate
University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
Ann Arbor, USA
07.2013 - 08.2014
- Assisted nursing staff with post-op patient care; including NG tube placement, drawing labs from arterial line, bathing, and dressing.
- Performed daily baths and weights, diaper changes, line management, dressing changes, and tracheostomy management and care.
- Handled pressure of a code situations by retrieving crash cart, airway box, and other supplies or tasks requested by physician and nursing staff.
- Ensured patient and staff safety with diligent organization, cleaning, and stocking.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded appropriately to requests from patients, families, staff members.
- Assisted with patient admissions, discharges and transfers.
- Assisted in preparing patients for examinations and treatments, including vital signs monitoring.
Patient Care Tech Associate – Temp
Michigan Medicine
Ann Arbor, USA
12.2012 - 07.2013
- Collected data including vital signs, hourly inputs/outputs, and obtained laboratory specimens.
- Assisted nursing staff with patient turns, lifts, mobility, and preparation for admissions and discharges.
- Handled pressure of a code situations by retrieving crash cart, airway box, and any other supplies or tasks requested by physician and nursing staff.
- Maintained a clean and organized unit to ensure patient and staff safety.
Education
MS - Biomedical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies
University of Toledo
Toledo, OHBS - Health and Physical Education
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MISkills
- Pain management
- Ultrasound guided injections
- Medical record maintenance
- Treatment plan development
- Clinical mentorship
- Effective communication
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Problem solving
- Post-operative care
- Adaptability in clinical settings
Affiliations
- American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
- Michigan Association of Physician Assistants (MAPA)
References
Available upon Request
Certification And Licensure
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, 04/01/17-present
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support, 01/01/16-present
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, 01/01/16-present
- Certified Nursing Assistant Certification, 01/01/12-present
- Early Childhood Education Certification, 01/01/08-01/01/14
- Physical/Health Education Certification, 01/01/04-01/01/14
Timeline
Physician Associate
Michigan Pain Specialists
06.2017 - Current
Patient Care Tech Associate
University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
07.2013 - 08.2014
Patient Care Tech Associate – Temp
Michigan Medicine
12.2012 - 07.2013
MS - Biomedical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies
University of Toledo
BS - Health and Physical Education
Eastern Michigan University