Sarah Tharnstrom, MPAS, PA-C
The Woodlands,TX
Summary
Physician Assistant dedicated to patient-centered care with a knowledgeable background in Neurosurgery. Experience with complex neurosurgical procedures and management of patient care. Exposure to both realms of inpatient and outpatient patient services. Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and adapt to evolving clinical environments.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Neurology
Clear Lake Specialties
- Observed and assisted management with: Multiple sclerosis, Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Migraines, Epilepsy, s/p Stroke, Myasthenia Gravis, Guillain-Barre, Dementia, Trigeminal neuralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Gained experience: performing MMSE/MOCA, interrupting EMG/NCV, BAER, SER, VER, EEG, Botox injections for migraines, steroid injections for carpal tunnel and popliteal tunnel, documented clinic notes and ordering needed diagnostics
Cardiothoracic Surgery
University of Texas Medical Branch
- Observed and assisted in procedures: Heart transplant, coronary artery bypass graft with endoscopic vein harvesting, open valve repair/replacement, aortic root arterioplasty, ventricular assist device implantation, surgical pleurodesis, da Vinci robotic-assisted hiatal hernia repair, mass removal from thoracic cavity
- Gained experience: interpreting CXR, thoracic CT/MRI, EKGs, removing Chest tubes, pacing wires, JP drains, suturing, incentive spirometry, pre-op and post-op management
Cardiology
University of Texas Medical Branch
- Performed and documented daily rounds and consults for pre-admitted patients with valvular disease, exasperated heart failure, and irregular arrhythmias
- Observed and assisted management with: TAVRs, cardiac catheterizations, and echocardiograms
- Gained experience: interpreting EKGs and Echocardiograms
Emergency Medicine
University of Texas Medical Branch
- Evaluated and managed patients with: COPD exacerbation, atrial fibrillation with RVR, acute cholecystitis, CHF exacerbation, urticaria, Herpes-Zoster, humeral shaft fracture, Jones fracture, multi digital avulsions requiring amputation, abscesses, severe exacerbation of atopic dermatitis, acute respiratory distress in pediatric, pharyngitis, incidental breast mass, vertebral compression fracture
- Gained experience: laceration repair, splinting, abscess I&D, image interpretation, EKG interpretation
Physician Assistant, Neurosurgery
Mischer Neuroscience Associates – Memorial Hermann
11.2022 - Current
- Worked alongside supervising physician group to aid in efficient inpatient and outpatient management of neurosurgical patients. I conducted medical interviews, performed physical exams, and ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests and imaging.
- Led my own outpatient clinics for pre ops, post ops, new patients and hospital follow ups for spinal fractures and brain hemorrhages.
- First assist in varietal of surgeries including spinal fusions, laminectomies, microdiscectomies, foraminotomies. Also assisted in craniotomies for subdural/epidural hemorrhages and mass resections, and craniectomies for large subdurals and severe cerebral edema.
- Independently and co-managed inpatient neurosurgical patients including ICU patients along with tasked with hospital call weekends
- Collaborated with medical professionals across multidisciplinary areas including the nursing staff on the inpatient floor and ICU as well as physicians and APPs in other departments
Education
Master of Science - Physician Assistant Studies
The University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, TX08.2022
Bachelor of Science and Art - Biology
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX05.2019
Skills
- Surgical First Assist
- Suturing above fascia and subcutaneous closure
- Neuro ICU care including EVD management
- Adjust programmable VP shunt valve settings
- Lumbar, Subdural, Subgaleal, EVD, JP/Hemovac drain removal
- EPIC, Care4
Certification
- Illinois Physician Assistant Licensure (exp. 03/2028)
- Texas Physician Assistant Licensure (exp. 08/2027)
- NCCPA National Certification (exp. 12/2026)
- DEA Licensure (exp. 11/2028)
- ACLS (exp. 12/2026)
- BLS (exp. 12/2026)
Timeline
Physician Assistant, Neurosurgery
Mischer Neuroscience Associates – Memorial Hermann
11.2022 - Current
Neurology
Clear Lake Specialties
Cardiothoracic Surgery
University of Texas Medical Branch
Cardiology
University of Texas Medical Branch
Bachelor of Science and Art - Biology
The University of Texas at Austin
Emergency Medicine
University of Texas Medical Branch
Master of Science - Physician Assistant Studies
The University of Texas Medical Branch