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Physician Assistants & Nurse Practitioners
Our orthopaedic surgeons use a team of midlevel medical providers to assist them in both the clinic and the operating room
In Orthopaedics, Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are highly utilized both in the clinical setting and in the operating room. PAs and NPs are mid-level medical providers who are nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine. In the clinical setting, they are capable of diagnosing and treating a wide variety of orthopaedic conditions, including fracture reductions, joint aspirations, injections, casting, and splinting. In the OR, they serve as first assistants to the orthopaedic surgeon providing valuable assistance during the peri-operative period.
In addition to the help they provide our Orthopaedics team in the office, all of our Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners support Dr. Matthew Griffith's community outreach by helping him cover home football games at Potomac Falls High School and Park View High School.
Studies have identified high-quality care with physician-PA/NP teams and have shown that the quality of care provided by PAs and NPs is comparable to that of physicians, that PAs and NPs enhance care coordination, and that PAs and NPs are proven to elevate health outcomes and increase patient satisfaction. To learn more about them, visit our FAQ page by clicking here.
Edwin Encarnacion, PA-C
Edwin Encarnacion, PA-C, joined Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics in 2004. Edwin received his Bachelor of Art degree in History from George Washington University in 1985 and his Bachelor of Science, Physician Assistant degree from State University of New York at Stony Brook in June 1999.
Edwin specializes in treating all general orthopaedic conditions, specifically: arthritis; adult joint reconstruction; and acute spine pain, problems, and injuries. Through Edwin's previous employment and education, Edwin brings diverse experience in emergency medicine, treating arthritis and spinal injuries. He completed his Physician Assistant Residency and Fellowship Training in Spinal Care at the Virginia Spine Institute.
In addition to his work at Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics, Edwin is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants. Through the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants, Edwin gives free school exams. He also covers major races in the area like the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, Wine Country Half Marathon, and more. He volunteers with the National Kidney Foundation, performing kidney screenings, along with volunteering with the Herndon Free Clinic performing sports physicals.
Shannon Glaws, MMSPA-C
Shannon Glaws, MMSPA-C, joined Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics in 2010. Shannon received her Bachelor of Health Sciences degree from James Madison University in 2007 before obtaining her Masters of Medical Science degree from Arcadia University in 2010.
Shannon specializes in treating all general orthopaedic conditions. Through her previous employment and education she has gained experience with orthopaedics, post-operative treatment, emergency care and internal medicine.
Shannon is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants and is presently licensed in the state of Virginia. She is currently a member of the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Cory Kraftson, MSPAS, PA-C
Cory Kraftson, MSPAS, PA-C, joined Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics in 2014. Cory received his Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science from Wheaton College in 2009 before obtaining his Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Shenandoah University in 2013.
Cory specializes in treating all general orthopaedic conditions. Through his previous employment and education he has gained experience with orthopaedics, pre- and post-operative treatment, emergency care, family, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
Cory is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants and is presently licensed in the state of Virginia. He is currently a member of the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery.
Monica Novak, DMSc, MPAM, PA-C
Monica Novak, DMSc, MPAM, PA-C, joined Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics in 2021. Monica received her Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech in 2018 before obtaining her Master of Physician Assistant Medicine from Lynchburg College in 2020. She then went on to complete her Doctor of Medical Science degree and a fellowship in Orthopedic Surgery in 2021.
Monica specializes in treating all general orthopaedic conditions. Through her previous employment and education, she has gained experience with orthopaedics, post-operative treatment, emergency care, and internal medicine.
Monica is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants and is presently licensed in the state of Virginia and Maryland. She is currently a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Lisa Siddall, FNP-BC
Lisa Siddall, FNP- BC, joined Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics in October 2009. Lisa earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from South Dakota State University and her Masters of Science/Family Nurse Practitioner from University of Phoenix in Honolulu, Hawaii before serving 5 years active duty in the United States Air Force.
Lisa specializes in treating all general orthopaedic conditions, specifically, arthritis management. With over 20 years of nursing experience, she brings exceptional experience with orthopaedics and family care, only further broadening Arthritis and Sports Orthopaedics’ range of service offered to our patients.
In addition to her work at Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics, Lisa is a member of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners and the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing. She is nationally certified through American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Here's What Our Patients Say About Our Midlevel Team
Amazing! Great, professional, personable and efficient people. Today we saw Julien -- he was terrific. Then we saw our favorite PA, Shannon! She is always so upbeat and personable, and she is great at explaining what's going on and what to expect! Caroline is especially awesome! Very successful visits. Highest recommendation! Caroline would get at least 8 stars if that were possible!
John D.
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Cory Kraftson is a caring provider with great bedside manner. He is honest and friendly with you about your particular situation medically and how you can best improve your quality of life. I received my second round of cortisone injections and he was so gentle, quick and efficient that I didn’t even move. This concept of treating you as a person and not just another client extends to the front desk staff! They are always welcoming, kind and bubbly! They remember small details like the names of my children and always want to know how I’m recovering from my surgeries. You can truly tell that this practice is sincere in their commitment to you as a unique person. Highly recommended!!!!
Joy S.
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I have been going to Arthritis & Sports for almost 30 years and this was another of the many positive experiences I’ve experienced. Monica quickly assessed my problem, proposed solutions that fit my situation, and gave me guidance on what I would need to do next if the problem persists. Always super knowledgeable, super professional, very helpful, and I love their always efficient process. Highly, highly recommend.
Regina F.
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