Black Hills Neurosurgery & Spine - Nonsurgical Care Specialists

Physician Assistants

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.

Kara Davis-Faith, PA-C

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.

Terri L. Tieman, PA-C

Biography coming soon.

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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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