Physician Assistants
Physician Assistants (PA-C's) are an integral part of the Virginia Spine Institute's health care team. They work closely with the spinal surgeons to provide comprehensive patient care and surgical assistance. PA-C's are health care professionals licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine to practice medicine under physician supervision. The PA-C's at the Institute are credentialed by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners. At The Virginia Spine Institute each Physician Assistant is required to complete a one-year residency training program in the medical and surgical management of spinal disorders and a one-year fellowship of advanced medical and surgical training.
Justin Battle, PA-C, MPAS
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Member of VSI team since: |
2011 |
Education: |
Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from Marietta College, OH |
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Residency/Fellowship: |
One year residency and one year fellowship in medical and surgical management of spinal disorders |
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Certifications: |
Certified by NCCPA and Athletic Training Certified (ATC) |
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License: |
Licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine |
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Fun Fact: |
Justin is an avid marathon runner and enjoys friendly competition on the basketball court. His favorite victory meal, hands down, is his mother’s homemade macaroni and cheese! |
Matt Battles, PA-C, MPAS
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Member of VSI team since: |
2005 |
Prior to VSI: |
Matt spent a year as a Physician Assistant at a family practice/pediatrics group |
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Education: |
Master of Physician Assistant Sciences at Saint Francis University, PA |
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Residency/Fellowship: |
One year residency and one year fellowship in medical and surgical management of spinal disorders |
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Certifications: |
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Certified |
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License: |
Licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine |
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Fun Fact: |
Matt was born and raised in central Pennsylvania. He has fond memories of his time working at Bonfatto’s sub shop where he could whip up a mean Italian sub! |
Diana DeWolfe, PA-C, MPAS
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Member of VSI team since: |
2007 |
Prior to VSI: |
Diana spent two years as a Physician Assistant at a family practice |
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Education: |
Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Alderson Broaddus College, WV |
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Residency/Fellowship: |
One year residency and one year fellowship in medical and surgical management of spinal disorders |
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Certifications: |
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Certified |
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License: |
Licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine |
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Fun Fact: |
Diana’s roots lie in West Virginia as she can attest that its history is filled with as many twists and turns as the famed country roads. |
Ashley Gilchrist, PA-C, MPAS
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Member of VSI team since: |
2013 |
Education: |
Joint Program for Master of Science in Health Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Public Health from The George Washington University, Washington DC |
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Certifications: |
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Certified |
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License: |
Licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine |
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Professional Memberships: |
American Academy of Physician Assistants |
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Fun Fact: |
Ashley was born and raised in Great Falls, Virginia. She grew up learning Japanese and trainging as a ballerina. After surgeries of her own, she no longer dances but now enjoys new hobbies including rock climbing and fitness, and is an avid knitter. |
