Alumni

Sarah Wishon is a Physician Assistant who graduated from Mercer University with a Master of Medical Science in 2023. After completion of the APP fellowship, Sarah accepted a position with Dr. Michael Gottschalk in the Emory Upper Extremity Surgery Department. She will care for patients in both the clinic and OR with a focus on shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand pathology.

"My favorite aspect of the fellowship was working with a wide variety of orthopedic APPs, doctors and surgeons, and their skilled team members. Everyone was kind and supportive while they helped me to deepen my understanding of orthopedics and broaden my skills.  I also loved having independent clinic, which allowed me to practice what I was learning in a real way and provided a smooth transition to my current practice. I am so thankful for this experience and the confidence I developed in myself through this process."

Ashley Borum is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Emory University.  Following the completion of the APP fellowship, Ashley accepted a position at Grady Memorial Hospital in Orthopedic Trauma.  She will care for patients in the clinic setting, providing post-operative care and expanding access to non-operative fracture care, as well as first-assist duties in the orthopedic trauma OR.

"My favorite part of the fellowship was the day-to-day exposure to all the moving parts that make a great orthopedic service come together.  Everyone had something valuable to offer to make me the efficient provider that I am today.  I am forever grateful to all the surgeons, doctors, APPs, athletic trainers, medical assistants and administrative personnel that supported me along the way!"

Brittany Arnold is a doctoral prepared Acute Care Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Georgia State University School of Nursing. Brittany accepted a position with Dr. Eric Wagner in the upper extremity division following the APP fellowship. She will care for patients in the clinic setting with a focus on treating hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder problems. 

“My favorite part of the fellowship was learning and rounding with a variety of orthopedic surgeons, doctors, APPs, and teams. I feel the fellowship provided me with a comprehensive foundation for treating all orthopedic problems. I will always be grateful for the opportunity, support, and knowledge this program provided me in my first year as a provider.” 

Blake Ballard is a Physician Assistant who graduated from Emory University School of Medicine's Physician Assistant Program in 2023. After completion of the APP fellowship, Blake accepted a position in the Foot and Ankle Surgery Department with Dr. Rishin Kadakia, going in both the clinic and operating room.

"My favorite aspect of the Fellowship was being able to rotate with all of the orthopedic specialties and develop such a broad foundation of orthopedic knowledge as it made me a more well-rounded provider.  I also loved the autonomy of having our own clinic, which allowed for a great transition into becoming an independent provider while still feeling very supported by my colleagues and co-fellow!"

Becca is a Family Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Emory University School of Nursing in 2021. She has accepted a position with Wellstar Orthopedic Trauma team working with a group of surgeons and APPs caring for patients with acute injuries in both the OR and the clinic.

Hillary is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Emory University School of Nursing in 2021. Following the APP fellowship, Hillary accepted a position working as a surgical and non-op joints APP alongside Dr. Ajay Premkumar. As a joints APP, her practice focuses on treating hips and knees. She functions as a first assistant to Dr. Premkumar and sees patients in the clinic. 

"While there were many great things about the fellowship, there were a couple that I believe enhanced my experience the most. I really appreciated the amount of autonomy my co-fellow and I were given to begin treating patients and grow our skills as providers. Functioning as a head-to-toe non-op provider during the fellowship gave me a better understanding of what may be contributing factors to my patients’ hip or knee pain. I also loved the support and camaraderie amongst the staff, other APPs, and physicians along the way."