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Sarah was born and raised in Plano, Texas. She enjoyed competing in multiple sports growing up, but in high school played volleyball year-round. She always knew she wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, and she worked extremely hard in school to graduate at the top of her class. She attended Austin College, in Sherman, Texas, where she played college volleyball while taking her pre-med curriculum. She also worked as an athletic trainer, which further ignited her interest in sports medicine and orthopedics.
In just three years, Sarah graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a minor in Exercise Sports Science. Sarah then completed the Physician Assistant program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. She then joined Kid’s First Pediatrics in Highland Village, and very much enjoyed her 11 years there.
Sarah has always strived to perform her best, in both academics and athletics. She enjoys teaching young student athlete’s how to fuel their body for both performance and injury prevention. She is delighted to join the Pediatric Sports and Spine Associates family and looks forward to helping children in our community live happy and healthier lives.
Sarah is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission of Physician Assistants and the Texas State board of Physician Assistant Examiners. She is a current member of the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants. Sarah practices under the direction of Dr. Roderick Capelo.
MD vs. PA
What is the difference between an MD and a PA?
A physician assistant is a medical professional who operates under a doctor’s supervision. Both the doctor as well as the PA, share patient care responsibility. The scope of a PA’s duties includes examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, taking the patient’s history, developing and carrying out treatment plans, counseling patients on healthcare plans and performing certain medical procedures, such a re-aligning fractures. The main duties of a PA are very similar to that of a doctor across several aspects; except for a few major procedures, such as surgery. Physician assistants may assist doctors in surgical procedures but they themselves are not licensed to perform surgery. Other than that, the major difference in job functions between a doctor and a physician assistant is that a doctor works autonomously whereas a PA always works under the supervision of the doctor. Physician Assistants in Texas are authorized to write prescriptions. At Pediatric Sports and Spine Associates, our Physician Assistants have been trained directly by Dr. Capelo, and have extensive experience in treating pediatric fractures, sports and overuse injuries, scoliosis and other conditions of the spine, and many other pediatric orthopedic conditions.
A physician assistant is a medical professional who operates under a doctor’s supervision. Both the doctor as well as the PA, share patient care responsibility. The scope of a PA’s duties includes examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, taking the patient’s history, developing and carrying out treatment plans, counseling patients on healthcare plans and performing certain medical procedures, such a re-aligning fractures. The main duties of a PA are very similar to that of a doctor across several aspects; except for a few major procedures, such as surgery. Physician assistants may assist doctors in surgical procedures but they themselves are not licensed to perform surgery. Other than that, the major difference in job functions between a doctor and a physician assistant is that a doctor works autonomously whereas a PA always works under the supervision of the doctor. Physician Assistants in Texas are authorized to write prescriptions. At Pediatric Sports and Spine Associates, our Physician Assistants have been trained directly by Dr. Capelo, and have extensive experience in treating pediatric fractures, sports and overuse injuries, scoliosis and other conditions of the spine, and many other pediatric orthopedic conditions.
What It Takes To Become A Doctor?
A medical doctor invests many years into the education and training which is required to become proficient in diagnosing various conditions, determining the appropriate treatment options, and prescribing the best treatment. After obtaining an undergraduate degree, it takes four years to obtain a degree a medical degree(MD), and then 3 to 7 additional years of residency training before receiving a license to practice medicine or surgery. Doctors are board-certified on the national level and must obtain a state license where they practice.
What It Takes To Become A Physician Assistant?
Physician Assistant qualifications vary slightly from one state to another, but obtaining a license to practice usually requires a 4-year undergraduate degree and completion of an accredited Physician Assistant Master’s program. Most programs are approximately 26 months (three academic years) and require the same prerequisite courses as medical schools. Most programs also require students to have about three years of healthcare training and experience. To obtain a PA license, PAs must successfully complete a one-year clinical rotation where they gain hands-on medical experience. Physician assistants are certified on the by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and a PA must obtain a state license where they practice. Physician Assistants are also required to complete ongoing continuing education classes and regular re-testing of medical expertise.