Physician Assistants

Commonwealth Offices with Physician Assistants

Alexandria Office

Josh Detrick, PA-C

Arlington Office

Almas Abbas, PA-C
Meghan Heins, PA
Susan Kutz, PA-C
Laura Maczees, PA

Herndon Office

Ariel McGarry, PA-C
Jeffrey Morrison, PA-C

Fairfax Office

Michelle Allday, PA-C
Michael Early, PA-C

Fair Oaks Office

Drew Elkins, PA-C
Jami Fano, PA-C
Ryan Fitzmorris, PA-C
Andrea D. Lauber, MS, PA-C
Patrick Matheny, PA-C
Abbi Richardson, PA-C

Reston Office

Sarah Hilton, PA-C
Kathleen McCarron, PA-C
Gianni Migliaccio, PA-C
Jeffery Morrison, PA-C
Kim Snow, PA-C
Christina Vitug, PA-C
Jaclyn Rieben, PA-C

Springfield Office

Josh Detrick, PA-C

Tysons Office

Ariel McGarry, PA-C
Almas Abbas, PA-C
Lauren Barber, PA-C
Meghan Heins, PA
Susan Kutz, PA-C
Laura Maczees, PA

Several Commonwealth Orthopaedic offices utilize Physician Assistants (PAs) enhancing patient-care services and improving accessibility to skilled health care services for our patients. You may interact with one of our PAs during your care with us. Below is a description of a Physician Assistant, followed by biographical information on the PAs that practice with Commonwealth.

What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?
Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. 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 in virtually all states can write prescriptions. Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services.

PAs are trained in intensive education programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) .
Because of the close working relationship the PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training. Upon graduation, physician assistants take a national certification examination developed by the National Commission on Certification of PAs in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners. To maintain their national certification, PAs must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a recertification every six years. Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program and passage of the national certifying exam are required for state licensure.

Alexandria Office

Josh Detrick, PA-C

In 2008, Josh received his Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Alderson Broaddus College, a private college in West Virginia. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from AB College. His previous experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Morgantown, West Virginia led him to pursue a career in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.

He moved to the Crystal Coast in Morehead City, North Carolina to work in an underserved area as an Orthopaedic Physician Assistant. There he assisted in surgery, treated patients of all ages, performed fracture care, performed sport physicals, and donated his time to the local high school football teams. After gaining more than 3 years of experience, he and his wife Chris decided to move back to the Northern Virginia area to be closer to family.

Josh is a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) by The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is a fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. His professional interests include sports medicine, shoulder and knee arthroscopy, ACL reconstruction, total joint replacements, musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound guided injections.

Josh joined Commonwealth in December 2011 to assist the Alexandria physicians in the office and surgical settings. He takes personal pride in his relationship with his patients and their rehabilitation from start to finish. Josh and his wife are currently living in Centreville. They enjoy biking, kayaking, jogging and traveling to discover new places.

Arlington Office

Almas Abbas, PA-C

As a lifelong sports fan growing up on Tobacco Road, Almas has always had an interest in sports medicine and orthopedics. Originally from North Carolina, she majored in Biology and Psychology while earning her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then spent three years as a study coordinator in clinical research at the Department of Orthopedics at UNC-CH. Wanting to transition to more clinical care, Almas moved to New Haven, CT to receive her Masters in Medical Science from the Physician Associate Program at Yale University. She worked for 2 years at a general orthopedic practice in High Point, NC after PA school, and just completed a short stint at a military clinic in Woodbridge, VA as a clinical orthopedic PA prior to joining Commonwealth Orthopedics. Almas assists the Arlington physicians in the office, hospital, and surgical settings. She is especially interested in total joint replacement, sports medicine and osteoporosis management. She resides in Fairfax and enjoys anything Tarheel, traveling, reading and sports.

Meghan Heins, PA

A Northern Virginia Native, Meghan received her Bachelor's of Science in Biology from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. She went on to receive her Master's of Physician Assistant Sciences at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA where she was selected as member of Pi Alpha, the national honors society for physician assistants. Meghan joined Commonwealth in June 2009 and assists the Arlington physicians in the office, hospital, and surgical settings.

Being an athlete most of her life, Meghan has always been drawn to a career in orthopaedics. She believes her own love of sports and staying active is what helps her relate to her patients' desires to get back to doing the activities they love. She is especially interested in total joint replacement and ACL reconstruction.

Meghan is currently a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). She resides in Arlington and in her free time enjoys running, yoga, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Susan Kutz, PA-C

Susan is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa, but grew up in a military family. She graduated from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry. Immediately after graduating, she was commissioned into the United States Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer. Susan spent five years on active duty, including two deployments to the Middle East. While deployed, she realized clinical care was her chosen path and started her Physician Assistant career at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Midland, TX. She graduated with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies in Aug 2010. She spent two years as an orthopaedic physician assistant in El Paso, TX specializing in sports medicine and total joint replacement. Susan joined Commonwealth Orthopaedics in Jan 2013 and works out of the Arlington and Tysons office where she primarily assists Dr. Kevin Sumida MD in both surgical and non-surgical management.

Since breaking her first bone in elementary school, medicine and orthopaedics has always been an interest of Susan’s. She is a current member of American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery (PAOS), and private pilot member of Airplane Owners and Pilots Association (APOA). She enjoys sports of all kinds, especially softball and football, hiking, swimming, cycling, flying, traveling, and just being with her family and dog.

Laura Maczees, PA

Laura grew up in Nazareth, Pennsylvania where she was a three sport athlete in high school. Having been involved in sports for most of her life, she decided to continue her involvement by majoring in Kinesiology at The Pennsylvania State University. Laura was a student athletic trainer for several semesters during her time at Penn State. After gaining some patient care experience, Laura returned to the academic setting and completed her Master's of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Arcadia University. She was selected as a member of Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants. Laura joined Commonwealth in August 2009 to assist the Arlington physicians in the office, hospital, and surgical settings. She resides in Arlington and enjoys reading, cooking, biking, and cheering for Penn State.

Herndon Office

Ariel McGarry, PA-C

Ariel S. McGarry is a Physician Assistant who joined Dr. Lutta at the Herndon Office in April 2013. She spent the first 4 1/2 years of her career as a key member of Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists’ foot and ankle team. She relocated to the area to spend more time with her husband who works in the D.C. area. She is a native of Syracuse, NY, and of course is an SU basketball fan. She has a B.S. in Environmental Science from SUNY-ESF and an M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from Le Moyne College. Her interest in orthopedics naturally developed as a result of her many outdoor activities including swimming, biking, running, sailing, downhill and cross country skiing.

Jeffrey Morrison, PA-C

Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Jeff Morrison graduated from Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA with his Masters in Physician Assistant Sciences in May of 2006. He joined the Commonwealth family soon after. His previous educational background includes a brief stay at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY before transferring to Elon University in North Carolina. He graduated with honors and received his Bachelors of Science in Sports Medicine. Currently, Jeff lives in East Falls Church and is active in coaching youth sports.

Fairfax Office

Michelle Allday, PA-C

Michelle grew up in central Florida and received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Furman University in Greenville SC. She then returned to Florida to pursue a physician assistant education at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. Michelle received my Masters in Physician Assistant studies in 2008. After graduating she practiced orthopedics for four years with an emphasis on joint replacements.

Michelle has had a lifelong interest in orthopedics which stems from playing multiple sports from a young age. She was a collegiate volleyball player for the four years at Furman. Michelle enjoys running, surfing, and spending time with family.

She is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants (VAPA).

Michael Early, PA-C

A native of Maryland, Michael received his Bachelor’s of Science degree from James Madison University in Virginia. He went on to earn a Master’s of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pennsylvania. After choosing to return to the D.C. metropolitan area, he joined Commonwealth Orthopaedics in October 2005. Currently, Michael works out of the Fairfax office, where he assists doctors Brantley Vitek MD and H. Edward Lane MD in both surgical and non-surgical management of a wide scope of orthopaedic disorders. Michael’s lifelong involvement in sports has given him first-hand knowledge of orthopaedic injuries and the subsequent management of those injuries. As the Physician Assistant to both Drs. Vitek and Lane, Michael feels that he is particularly fortunate to be involved in the care of the more diversified patient population that results from working with two accomplished physicians. Michael’s orthopaedic interests include total joint replacement, all arthroscopic joint procedures, and disorders of the spine.

Michael is currently a member of the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Michael resides in Fairfax with his wife Danelle and in his spare time enjoys playing rugby with the local Division II Men's Club.

Fair Oaks Office

Drew Elkins, PA-C

Drew is from Lynchburg, VA. He graduated from Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, VA with his Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. Drew earned his undergraduate degree from Bridgewater College in Athletic Training. He also played four years on the baseball team at Bridgewater, serving as team captain during his final year. His passion for orthopedics stems from his background in sports medicine and love for sports. Drew primarily works with the physicians at the Fair Oaks office. He is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants (VAPA), and Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery (PAOS).

Jami Fano, PA-C

Jami Fano, a native Marylander, graduated number one in her Physician Assistant class from Philadelphia University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was President of the class and received numerous accolades for her academic and community service accomplishments.

Jami joined Commonwealth in September 2008 and works both in the surgical and clinical setting. She has dedicated her life to pursuing health care services and doing volunteer work. Her appreciation for orthopedics stems from her many years of dance training that involved several injuries requiring orthopedic care. After a full recovery, Jami is passionate about offering the same quality care to the patients she helps treat. She received her undergraduate degree in biology at James Madison University graduating with honors.

Jami is currently an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), The Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants (VAPA), and Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery (PAOS). She enjoys spending time with her husband Josh and resides in Northern Virginia.

Ryan Fitzmorris, PA-C

A New Jersey native, Ryan received his Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in Virginia and Master’s of Physician Assistant Sciences degree from Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA. He joined Commonwealth Orthopaedics in October 2002 and currently works both in the surgical setting and as an office based clinical PA. He works primarily with Tushar Patel, M.D., and aides in the evaluation and treatment of spinal disorders. The time spent in the operating room assisting in surgery mixed with the time treating patients from a non-surgical standpoint in the office provides the variety that led Ryan to specializing in orthopaedics and subsequently joining Commonwealth.

Ryan currently has professional memberships in the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA), The Virginia Association of Physician Assistants (VAPA), the American Association of Orthopaedic Physician Assistants (AAOPA), and the North American Spine Society (NASS). He resides in Reston, VA with his wife Renee and their daughter.

Andrea D. Lauber, MS, PA-C

Originally from Maryland, Andrea received her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiological Sciences and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Maryland in 2006. She then went on to earn her Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 2010. Andrea began her career in Occupation Health at George Washington University Hospital and later joined Commonwealth Orthopaedics in July of 2012. Andrea’s interest in orthopaedics stems from a background in sports, playing soccer for 10 years of her youth. Her athletic interests have grown to include running, lacrosse, surfing, hiking and climbing.

Andrea is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

Patrick Matheny, PA-C

Patrick is a native of Falls Church, Va. He has 28 years of orthopaedic experience. His medical career began in 1973 when he joined the US Army and became a Medical corpsman. After the service he attended Northern Virginia Community College's Nursing Program and became an RN in 1979. From 1979 to 1982 he was an orthopaedic Nurse Specialist at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Patrick graduated from George Washington University's PA Program with a Bachelor's in Health Sciences in 1984. From 1984 to 1997 he worked in a solo practice with Brant Vitek Sr., a now retired Orthopaedic Surgeon. Pat joined Commonwealth's Herndon group in 1997.

Patrick covers multiple sports at Paul VI Catholic High School and is a member of their Board of Governors. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants, and Physician Assistants in Orthopaedics Surgery. He lives in Fairfax with his wife Laura, a Registered Nurse at Inova Fairfax Hospital, and their two children, Daniel, a student at Georgetown University, and Natalie, a student at Paul VI Catholic High School.

Abbi Richardson, PA-C

Abbi Garringer is an Indiana native. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN in 2005 and a Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA in 2007.

She started her career as a physician assistant at Parham Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, VA as an orthopedic, hospital physician assistant. She joined Commonwealth Orthopaedics in August 2010 and works in both the surgical and clinical setting. Abbi’s interest in orthopedics began as a child as she was involved in various sports including basketball, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, and nine years of competitive cheerleading.

Abbi is currently an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants (VAPA).

Reston Office

Sarah Hilton, PA-C

Sarah grew up in State College, Pennsylvania and received her Bachelor of Science from Penn State University. She was drawn to the Washington, DC area after college to complete a research assistantship at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Sarah returned to Pennsylvania to complete her Masters of Physician Assistant Sciences from Saint Francis University. She began her career as a surgical physician assistant with her focus on orthopedic surgery. Sarah joined the team at Commonwealth in September 2009 to further her career in orthopedics. Sarah primarily works with Dr. Mazahery in the Reston office, focusing on the operative and non-operative management of spine conditions.

Kathleen McCarron, PA-C

Kathleen is from Nazareth, Pennsylvania. She earned her B.S. in Biology from Moravian College and her MMS from Arcadia University. Her interest in orthopaedics comes from her experience as a lifelong athlete, from being a competitive gymnast through a collegiate track competitor. Her experience from a patient’s perspective helps her deliver a level of patient care aimed at the best outcomes. Kathleen joined Commonwealth in July 2010 after starting her career in New York City. She is an active member of the AAPA and VAPA. She works primarily with Dr. Madden at the Reston office. She resides in Arlington. She enjoys running and is currently training for her first marathon this fall.

Gianni Migliaccio, PA-C

Gianni was born in Elizabeth, NJ and has lived all over the country. He went to Physician Assistant school at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. After graduating in 2007, he has worked in the ER, NICU and as a Forensic Investigator. Orthopedics interests Gianni because he can help healthy people stay well from a musculoskeletal perspective thus allowing them to stay active and enjoy their lives while promoting and maintaining good health. He enjoys doing Crossfit and training in the SPEAR System which is a reality based self-defense system. In addition, Gianni enjoys hiking and spending time in the outdoors with his two dogs.

Jeffrey Morrison, PA-C

Kim Snow, PA-C

Kim grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and received her Bachelors degree from Villanova University in 2005 with a degree in Psychology and Pre-medical studies. She then did a year of volunteer medical service in Philadelphia through AmeriCorps. In 2008, she graduated from Drexel University with a Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Initially, Kim began her career in Emergency Medicine working first in a pediatric Emergency Department in Connecticut and then relocated to Northern Virginia where she worked at Inova Fairfax Hospital in the Emergency Department for the past two years. Kim became interested in orthopedics after seeing traumatic orthopedic injuries at Fairfax and is passionate about helping patients and athletes rehab back to an active lifestyle.

Kim joined Commonwealth Orthopedics in September 2012 and is working primarily with Dr. Parker in the Reston office. Currently, Kim resides in Ashburn, Virginia.

Christina Vitug, PA-C

Christina grew up in Virginia Beach. She earned her bachelors degree in kinesiology from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. She then pursued her masters degree as a physician assistant from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk. After graduate school, she attended a 15-month physician assistant orthopaedic residency program at the University of Virginia. She returned to Virginia Beach and worked in orthopaedic trauma for 5 years. She moved to northern Virginia in 2011 and worked for another orthopaedic surgeon prior to joining Commonwealth in May 2012. She primarily works with Dr. Klein at the Reston office.

Christina is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants, and Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Jaclyn Rieben, PA-C

Originally from Herndon, VA, Jaclyn completed her B.S. in Nutrition and Exercise from Virginia Tech. She had always wanted to pursue a career in medicine and quickly went on to earn her M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from East Carolina University. She then spent 3.5 years in Raleigh, NC working for a spine specialist before relocating back to Northern Virginia and beginning her career in general orthopedics. She did a short stint at another orthopedic group before joining Commonwealth in February 2010. Jaclyn works primarily with Dr. Hartley.

Jaclyn has been a competitive swimmer for over 20 years and is now active with marathon running. Now she enjoys helping the injured athlete return to the sports they love.

Springfield Office

Josh Detrick, PA-C

Tysons Office

Almas Abbas, PA-C

Lauren Barber, PA-C

Lauren is originally from Medina, a small town in Western New York. She recently graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), earning a B.S. in physician assistant studies with a minor in exercise science. Throughout her years at RIT, Lauren was employed by RIT Sports Medicine as a student assistant to the athletic trainers. Here, she gained valuable experience working with athletes and treating various orthopaedic injuries. Lauren moved to Arlington in the summer of 2010 and is happy to have joined Commonwealth in September 2010 to assist spine surgeon, Dr. Steven Hughes. She is dedicated to providing equal, compassionate, and educated care to all of her patients.

Lauren is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants, and the North American Spine Society. She loves country music, being active, spending time with family, friends, and volunteering for Greater DC Cares, and of course, cheering for the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.