Orthopedic Physician Assistants
Muir Orthopaedic Specialists’ physician assistants are licensed health care professionals trained in performing comprehensive procedures and formulating treatment plans for orthopedic problems.
Our physician assistants emphasize the prevention of illness and the promotion of health. In addition to health teaching and counseling, they can perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, assist in surgery, evaluate and clarify clinical conditions, prescribe and administer medication and evaluate, screen and council patients on health maintenance.
Physician Assistants are individually licensed by the state in which they practice.
Jessica Adamich, PA-C, MSPAS/MPH
Jessica Adamich joined Muir Orthopaedic Specialists in 2012. She works primarily with Dr. Steven Lee in the Spine Center as a Physician Assistant. She received a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Master of Public Health from Touro University in Vallejo, CA. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Prior to becoming a PA, she worked as an EMT, as well as in the operating room, for multiple years.
Jessica is a Bay Area native and loves to be outdoors and physically active. She participates in activities such as outdoor jogging, CrossFit and also has completed the challenging obstacle course Tough Mudder. All of these activities and studies have helped shape her outlook on health and physical activity and she realizes the balance between the mind and body impacts overall health and well being. She has developed a passion for treating patients, educating and helping them live the active lifestyle they desire.
Jessica sees patients in the outpatient clinic in Walnut Creek, Brentwood and San Ramon. She first assists in surgery out of John Muir Walnut Creek as well as other facilities.
Office Locations: Walnut Creek, San Ramon & Brentwood
David Brand, MPA, PA-C
At Muir Orthopaedic Specialists, David works primarily with Dr. Murali Moorthy, seeing patients in the Walnut Creek, San Ramon, and Brentwood offices. Together they practice general orthopedic surgery with a special interest in foot and ankle orthopedics. David is also a first assist in the operating room with total joint replacements, revisions, open and arthroscopic procedures and fracture care.
David began practicing as a physician assistant in 2007 after completing his master’s degree in the Physician Assistant program at Samuel Merritt College in Oakland, CA. David completed his undergraduate studies at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology. His enthusiasm for sports medicine and orthopedics developed through his involvement in high school, collegiate, and club sports.
Compassionate and committed, David strives to provide excellent medical care, guidance, and support to patients throughout the process of diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Office Locations: Walnut Creek & Brentwood
Bridget Garrehy, MPA, PA-C ATC
Bridget joined Muir Orthopaedic Specialists in the spring of 2012 after completing her master’s degree in the Physician Assistant program at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA. Bridget completed her undergraduate studies at San Diego State University, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences/Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training.
Bridget is a San Ramon Valley native and began her sports medicine career working at Muir Orthopaedic Specialists, in the Physical Therapy department. Her passion for sports medicine and orthopedics continued to grow while working at her alma mater, Monte Vista High School, as the Head Athletic Trainer for the football team.
Bridget works primarily with Dr. Craig Wiseman, practicing general orthopedic surgery with a special interest in total joint replacement, trauma and sports medicine.
Bridget used to play lacrosse and currently enjoys cross fit and Pilates. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys watching professional sports.
Office Locations: Walnut Creek & Brentwood
Maureen McGhee, MSPAS/MPH
Maureen began working at Muir Orthopaedic Specialists in 2010 and is an Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery PA for Dr. Christopher Coufal and Dr. Eric Fulkerson. Her primary responsibilities include assisting in surgery and taking care of inpatients at John Muir Hospital. In addition, Maureen occationally sees outpatients at the Walnut Creek clinic location.
Maureen received her Bachelor of Arts from UC Davis before graduating in 2008 from Touro University, earning a master’s degrees in Physician Assistant Studies and Public Health (MSPAS/MPH). In 2010, she completed post-graduate residency training in Orthopedics, Trauma, Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Neurosurgery at a Level I Trauma Center in Portland, OR.
A Walnut Creek native, Maureen graduated from Northgate High School and is an avid snowboarder, runner, wakeboarder and soccer player. Always the outdoor/sports enthusiast, Maureen loves to share her passions with anyone who will listen – and to help patients get back on their feet after an unexpected injury.
Office Locations: Walnut Creek
James Edward Michael, MPA, PA-C, ATC, CSCS
James began practicing as a physician assistant in 2007 after completing his master’s degree in the Physician Assistant program at Samuel Merritt College in Oakland, CA. James completed his undergraduate studies at University of California Berkeley and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Biology and Human Bio-dynamics with an emphasis in Neuromotor Control.
His enthusiasm for sports medicine and orthopedics developed through his involvement as an athletic trainer at Monte Vista High School, De La Salle High School and U.C. Berkeley, and as a strength and conditioning coach G.A. at U.C. Berkley.
Office Location: Walnut Creek
Julie Pryde, MPA, PA-C, PT, OCS, SCS, ATC
Julie has been working at Muir Orthopaedic Specialists since 2001 as a Physician Assistant with Dr. Ramiro Miranda and Dr. Louay Toma. She sees patients in our Walnut Creek location and assists in surgery. As a physical therapist, Julie was one of the first physical therapists in the nation to be board certified by the ABPTS in both Orthopedic and Sports physical therapy.
Julie received her undergraduate degree from Saint Mary’s College and her physical therapy degree from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. After working for 10 years as a physical therapist and athletic trainer for a number of physical therapy clinics & local colleges, Julie returned to school to pursue her master’s degree in the Physicians Assistant program at Samuel Merritt University.
Julie also worked in graduate education as an adjunct associate professor at Samuel Merritt University teaching a variety of courses in musculoskeletal medicine. She has written a number of chapters in orthopedic textbooks including those on tissue healing and inflammation, meniscal injuries, abdominal injuries, total joint replacement and fracture management. She was recently honored by her alma mater, Saint Mary’s College, by having an award for the top graduating health science major named in her honor.
She has treated athletes at all levels – high school, collegiate, professional and Olympians – and has worked both at the Olympics as well as with World Cup Soccer.
Julie enjoys travel, weight training, and running with her Australian Cattledog, Jake.
Office Location: Walnut Creek
Angela Sherbondy, MPA, PA-C
Angela joined Muir Orthopaedic Specialists in the Spring of 2012 after completing her Master’s Physician Assistant Degree at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland. She was born and raised in Pennsylvania where she received her bachelor’s in Biology at Bucknell University. During her time at Bucknell, Angela competed as a collegiate cyclist, ranking as one of the top collegiate cyclists in the nation. Angela’s active lifestyle pairs nicely with her love of the outdoors, where she enjoys backpacking and trail running with her dog Gracie.
Angela works primarily with Dr. Qureshi in the Spine Center. Angela has always enjoyed sports and exercise, and has had to overcome a few orthopedic injuries of her own in the past. This allows her to truly understand the mental, psychological, and physical importance of a happy, active, and healthy lifestyle. Most of all, she enjoys educating patients and helping them find solutions to get back to the activities they love.
Office Location: Walnut Creek
Joe Torres MPA, PA-C
Joe Torres joined Muir Orthopaedic Specialists in 2005 as a Physician Assistant with Dr. Donald Lewis. He enjoys treating patients and seeing them quickly return to an active work and home life. Since he joined the team, he has gained valuable professional skills which will enhance his ability to assist with patient care.
He is courteous and treats his patients with respect. Joe’s enthusiasm and caring personality complements his expertise by adding a personal touch that is as reassuring as it is therapeutic.
The challenges of orthopedic health care delivered in the 21st century bring opportunity for efficiency and great potential for creativity; Joe is up to the challenge.
Office Locations: Walnut Creek & San Ramon
Tiffany Waters, PA-C, MMS, ATC
Tiffany has been working at Muir Orthopaedic Specialists since 2004 as a Physician Assistant. She is a first assist in the operating room with total joint replacements, revisions, open and arthroscopic procedures and fracture care.
Tiffany completed her Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona before joining MOS. Her master’s program was clinical studies based and focused on orthopedics. She completed her undergraduate studies at Azusa Pacific University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training. Tiffany obtained her national certification as an Athletic Trainer in 2000; she utilizes this training to educate and assist patients in rehabilitation and prevention of injuries.
Office Locations: Walnut Creek