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  • Spine Surgeons
    • Larry L. Teuber, M.D.
    • Marius Maxwell, M.D., Ph.D.
    • Stuart G. Rice, M.D.
    • Tim J. Watt, M.D.
  • Non-Surgical Care
    • Robert MacLachlan, M.D.
• Spine Problems
  • Back Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Sciatica Pain
  • Bone Spur
  • Degenerative Disc
  • Herniated Disc
  • Kyphosis
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  • • X Stop
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    • ProMotion Rehabilitation
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    • Artificial Disc Options
    • Minimally Invasive
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Nonsurgical Care Specialists

The Spine Center at Rapid City cares for all types of back or neck problems, regardless of simplicity or complexity, with a preference for safe, effective nonsurgical treatment options. While other spine treatment centers favor the use of spine surgery, The Spine Center specializes in the less-obtrusive treatment methods.

Neurologist

Robert MacLachlan, M.D.

Physicians Assistants

David R. Webb, PA-C

Mr. Webb conducts an evaluation of neurosurgical patients with complete history and physical. He is involved in pre-operative care and post-operative care. He is a first assistant in surgery. Mr. Webb has been employed by NSSA since 1998. He received his Bachelor of Science in allied health from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants Certified (NCCPA), the South Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Assembly of Physician Assistants, the American Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants and the American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants. Mr. Webb has 22 years of experience.

Juanita M. Godkin, PA-C

Ms. Godkin is involved in new patient evaluations, follow-up office visits, ER evaluations, hospital rounds and patient teaching. She is also a first assistant in spinal and craniotomy procedures. Ms. Godkin completed the University of South Dakota's physician assistant program in Vermillion, South Dakota, in 1997 and has since been employed by NSSA. She is CPR-, ACLS- and NCCPA-certified, and she has her NCCPA surgical certification. Ms. Godkin is a member of the South Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants and the American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants. She is licensed to practice in South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska and North Dakota.

James W. Richards, PA-C

Jim Richards performs detailed histories, physicals and evaluations for neurosurgical patients. He assists our physicians in providing first-class pre- and post-operative care and participates in neurosurgery as a surgical first assist. Jim has been employed at The Spine Center since February 2003. Prior to joining our team, he was a family practice physician assistant in the United States Air Force, providing top-quality care to our armed forces. In 2003, Jim retired from the Air Force after serving for more than 20 years. In 1998, Jim graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical School's (UNMC) physician assistant program with a Bachelor of Science in allied health. In 1999, he was awarded a Master's degree in physician assistant studies from UNMC. He is certified by the National Commission of Certification for Physician Assistants. Jim is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants. He is currently licensed as a physician assistant in South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and North Dakota.

Julie J. Dueis, PA-C

Julie Dueis is involved in new patient evaluations, follow-up office visits and patient teaching. She also functions as a first assistant in spinal and craniotomy procedures. Julie began her health care career as a Certified Surgical Technologist in Sioux Falls, SD after graduating from Southeast VoTech Institute. She was employed at both Sioux Valley Hospital and McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls as a surgical technician for six years. She then began employment as a surgical assistant at Sioux Falls Neurosurgery for 3 years and at Montgomery Neurosurgical Associates in Montgomery, AL for 5 years prior to beginning her physician assistant studies. Julie graduated from the Surgical Physician Assistant program at the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Health Related Professions in August 2002. She was employed at Florida Pediatric Neurosurgery in St. Petersburg, FL for one year prior to joining NSSA in October 2003. Julie is NCCPA certified and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the South Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants. She is currently licensed to practice in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming.

Mary Sheridan, PA

Mary performs detailed histories, physicals and evaluations on neurosurgical patients. She spends most of her time in clinic evaluating patients, however, she does participate as a first assistant in surgery. Mary brings four years of neurosurgical experience to our group. She has several year of experience in Family Practice and Internal Medicine as a Physician Assistant. Mary graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1999. Prior to that, she was a registered nurse for nine years. Overall, she has over 18 years of experience in the health care field. She is a member of the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA), South Dakota Association of Physician Assistants (SDAPA) and National Certification Committee of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).