4 | CMH-OHSU Health Orthopedic Clinic Who is on my health care team? Surgeons: Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who have been trained to fix problems with bones, joints and muscles. They have years of additional surgical training to perform total joint replacement operations. Hospitalists: A hospitalist is a physician specially trained to care for hospitalized patients. They work closely with your entire care team including your surgeon and nurses to ensure you receive the high-quality care needed to help you recover from your joint replacement surgery in the hospital. Physician Associates (PAs): PAs perform examinations, assist in surgery, order diagnostic tests and prescribe medications and therapy. You will often see a PA for your pre- and post-operative appointments. Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Nurse practitioners have advanced training in treating illness or injury and can prescribe medicine and therapy. They focus on education, prevention and wellness. Nurses: Nurses provide care in a variety of settings. They will prepare you for surgery, assist in your recovery from anesthesia and care for you after your surgery. Nurses partner closely with doctors, PAs, therapists and others to help you recover after your surgery. Medical Assistants: MAs assist providers with patient care and help clinics run more efficiently. They make calls and complete administrative tasks, in addition to taking vitals, recording patient history and helping with exams. Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs): CRNAs are highly specialized nurses who provide anesthesia (the medicine to make you “sleep” during your surgery). They will go over your medical history with you and decide what type of anesthesia to use. During your surgery, your CRNA will monitor you, and afterward, determine
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