thao pa website bio 21

Thao Allen

PA-C, MPAS
Physician Assistant

As the Physician Assistant Team Lead at VSI, Thao has devoted her medical career to caring for patients with spinal conditions. Her role extends beyond the medical office into the operating room, where she collaborates closely with our most seasoned spine surgeons, navigating the intricacies of life-changing spine surgeries. Thao’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of spinal health, and her commitment to patient well-being is evident in her role as a counselor, guiding patients through decision-making processes, alleviating worries, and instilling confidence in their journey to overcome and improve their lives.

Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Thao serves as a mentor to fellow Physician Assistants on the team, sharing her wealth of knowledge and fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth.

Thao is a proud member of a family of medical experts, as her husband is also a Physician Assistant in cardiac care. In her personal life, Thao is a loving mother to two energetic boys and a delightful pup, a Shiba Inu. Her passion for culinary adventures is reflected in her status as a foodie, relishing opportunities to dine out, experiment with cooking, and host memorable dinner parties.

College

  • Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Shenandoah University
  • Bachelor of Science in the College of Humanities & Science, Virginia Commonwealth University

CERTIFICATIONS

  • National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support/Basic Life Support

RESIDENCY/FELLOWSHIP

  • One-year residency and one-year fellowship in the medical and surgical management of spinal disorders

LICENSE

  • Licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants

What Patients Are Saying

Google
5.0/5
Apr 30, 2024
Google - VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)
Every staff member at VSI has one common goal. To correct the issues causing you pain or other problems. The Doctors, their support medical team and the administrative personnel make your healing success their number one priority. This group is the best there is!
Google
5.0/5
Apr 28, 2024
Google - VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)
I am a 55-year-old male that was diagnosed with stenosis, spondylosis, and radiculopathy in my cervical spine. A few years ago, I was told by a well-respected spine surgeon to try some PT and essentially deal with my headaches, neck pain, and numbness, as a fusion was my only option, and something to put off until absolutely necessary. I worked with a yoga therapist and on a diligent home program for two years: some of my symptoms stabilized but others continued to worsen, especially the radiating numbness, and I didn’t want to accept living in a pretty constant state of discomfort. I sought multiple surgical opinions, and Dr. Good was the clear choice to perform a multiple level disc replacement, which would allow me to preserve motion in my neck and not impact adjacent levels of my spine, as was my concern with a fusion. I felt most confident in Dr Good’s opinion and expertise, and after some additional diagnostics at VSI, it was determined I needed a 3-level replacement, and specific discs were customized based off of my specific needs. I’m now around my six-month mark and no longer suffer from headaches/migraines (this was pretty immediate); my pain has almost completely gone away; and numbness has been reduced dramatically and continues to improve (nerves can take one to two years to repair). I am very happy with the outcome and experience with VSI and highly recommend Dr Good.
Google
5.0/5
Apr 14, 2024
Google - VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)
Every one has been respectful and helpful with all of my issues. Dr Jazini and the Reston Hospital are great. Need more services like this in Baltimore
Google
5.0/5
Apr 3, 2024
Google - VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)
World class care, it is that simple. Dr. Haines is extremely knowledgeable and his ability to show empathy cannot be overlooked. The time he spent meeting with me, walking through the various options, timelines etc, was very comforting. I highly recommend VSI, from the Doctors to the Physician Assistants, they are the best of the best.
Google
5.0/5
Apr 1, 2024
Google - VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)
Dr Haines and his team are a blessing to anyone with spine issues. They work well with each other and the patients. The team goes into action quickly from your first visit and consultation through the surgery and recovery. They answer any questions you may have and give specific instructions for care. They are available to discuss any questions or issues you have. My husband, Donnie, was out of chronic pain when he came out of surgery. Donnie starts physical therapy one month after surgery to ensure he builds his core muscles and continues to gain strength. We highly recommend Dr. Haines and Virginia Spine Instititue.
Google
5.0/5
Mar 27, 2024
Google - VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)
Dr Good is the best spine surgeons in the US. Dr Good performed a cervical spine fusion in 2010. It’s been 14 years and having him do the surgery on my neck was the best decision I’ve ever made. I recommend Dr Good from the Virginia spine institute to anyone suffering in pain. Ever since my surgery I’ve had little or no pain at all. Thanks Dr Good, Trish Marek Tidwell
Google
5.0/5
Mar 22, 2024
Google - VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)
The best Doctor's and staff in the DMV period! I have been a patient sence 2009.
Google
5.0/5
Mar 21, 2024
Google - VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)
EVERYBODY, their entire team, treated us as if we were important. Not only is the medicine first class, but the facilities are also superior, and the people are kind and caring. Follow up was prompt and clear; we were not forgotten when we left the office. We are so glad to have found VSI and it is worth taking the time to fly to Reston to see their doctors. 🙂 We live in North Carolina. Thank you VSI
Google
5.0/5
Mar 14, 2024
Google - VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)
Excellent service from starting at the front desk, billing department, staff, assistants, doctors and surgeons.
Google
5.0/5
Mar 5, 2024
Google - VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)
I am a patient of both Dr. Kemp and Dr. Kim and my experience has been absolutely wonderful since the first time i called to schedule. everyone that works in the office is so kind and they really listen to patients. they actually take the time to make sure they hear your concerns, you understand treatment plans, tests, results, etc. i feel like i now have a comprehensive plan to resolve the pain i have had in my neck from a hernia for several months now and i feel supported by my doctors and have full confidence in the team at VSI, it's been a really refreshing experience and i feel very grateful for them.

Featured Resources

Insights to Achieve a Pain-Free Life

Join the Patients We’ve Helped on the Road to Recovery