Business & Tech
Local Physician Assistant Is First in Virginia Qualified to Use Fluoroscopy
Suzanne Shelling of Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates has completed the state's extensive requirements.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA, March 4, 2015 - Suzanne Shelling, PA-C, MPAS, of Virginia Interventional & Vascular Associates (VIVA) has become the first physician assistant in Virginia to complete the extensive requirements for using fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy involves taking real-time X-rays for numerous purposes including guidance of interventional radiology procedures.
In order to become registered by the Virginia Board of Medicine, Suzanne had to complete a 40-hour continuing medical education course and 40 hours of clinical experience supervised by a qualified physician. She also needed to pass the certification test given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
“We are proud of Suzanne’s accomplishment and grateful for her willingness to complete the requirements for expanding her role in patient care,” said Dr. R. Donald Doherty Jr., medical director of VIVA and a board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional radiologist.
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The Virginia General Assembly passed a bill in 2012 enabling qualified physician assistants to use fluoroscopy. Jennifer Dawson, NP-C, VIVA Director, said allowing physician assistants to use fluoroscopy helps reduce radiation exposure and increase patient safety. “In practices such as ours, physician assistants who perform procedures using fluoroscopic guidance can be more effective in radiation dose management when executing this function independently,” she explained.
About VIVA
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VIVA, a part of Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg, is the region’s only interventional radiology and vascular surgery practice. Treatments offered by VIVA physicians include minimally invasive procedures for uterine fibroids, varicose veins/spider veins, cancer, compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, chronic pain and many other conditions. VIVA physicians also provide the full range of vascular surgery care including catheter-based and open procedures. For more information, visit www.vivassociates.com or call (540) 654-9118.
