Black Hills Neurosurgery & Spine - Nonsurgical Care Specialists

Nonsurgical Care Specialists

Black Hills Neurosurgery & Spine, formerly known as Black Hills Neurosurgery & Spine, 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 Neurosurgery & Spine Center specializes in the less-obtrusive treatment methods.

Neurologist

Robert MacLachlan, M.D.

Physicians Assistants

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 Black Hills Neurosurgery & Spine, formerly known as The Spine Center at Rapid City, 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.

Wesley W. Broeder, PAC wes broeder, pac south dakota spine neurosurgery

Wes Broeder, PA-C has been working for Black Hills Neurosurgery in South Dakota since early 2010. He received his Masters in Physician Assistant studies at A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ in 2005. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. Wes worked as a PA in Spearfish, SD for 3 years prior to employment with Black Hills Neurosurgery. Wes grew up in Glendive, MT. Before becoming a PA, Wes worked as a fitness trainer, physical therapy assistant and volunteered as an EMT/firefighter in Montana and Colorado. His hobbies include running, biking, hiking, camping and hunting.

Kara Davis-Faith, PAC

kara davis faith physician assistant, pac south dakota spine neurosurgery

Kara Davis Faith, MPAS, PA-C is a Rapid City native. She received her Bachelor of Science from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA and earned her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT in 2009. Kara previously worked as a medical assistant for a busy family practice clinic in Bellingham, WA prior to going back to PA school. She spent a brief time working as a PA for Yellowstone Vein Center in Billings, MT before moving back to Rapid City and joining the team at Black Hills Neurosurgery and Spine in October 2010. She has enjoyed being back in the Black Hills where she is closer to family and can spend “spare” time hiking and mountain biking.

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Testimonials

Numerous patients have shared their life-changing experiences with the physicians at Black Hills Neurosurgery & Spine. Read more.

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