John Balentine, PA-CSpine Team
John helps spine patients through the decision to have surgery. His goal is to make patients comfortable and work together with surgeons and the rest of your care team to communicate care plans clearly.
Patients see spine surgery as intensive, and John walks them through this tough decision whether or not to have surgery. He often shares research so patients can see the data, and understand how SMOC ensures safety.
“In recovery from spine surgery, patients expect to be down for a while. In fact, it’s the opposite. We’re going to get you moving.”
John served in the US Navy for 22 years, and for the past 15 has served as a physician assistant with the US Navy. He has experience in management as well as clinical roles, including serving as Orthopaedic physician assistant and Department Head at the US Naval Hospital in Beaufort, South Carolina. There, he managed surgeons, physical therapists and athletic trainers, overseeing the process of delivering care.
After retiring from the military, John chose SMOC for its commitment to quality. Today, John is working alongside Dr. Fox and glad to have this family back in Hampton Roads after his most recent position as a physician assistant at the US Naval Hospital in Rota, Spain.
- General orthopaedic care, with a focus on spine
- Fellowship: Physician Assistant Orthopaedic Surgery, Navy Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA
- Master of Science: Master of Physician Assistant, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Ala.
- Bachelor of Science: Pre-Professional Studies, University of West Florida, Pensacola, Fla.
- NCCPA Board-Certified Physician Assistant
- Licensure by VA Health Department
- ACLS Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- BLS Basic Life Support for Healthcare professionals
Orthopaedic PA – US Naval Hospital, Rota, Spain
Orthopaedic PA /Department Head – US Naval Hospital, Beaufort, SC
Orthopaedic PA – Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA
- PAOS Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery
- NCCPA National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
At SMOC, we work as a team. It’s a priority to have trust and respect both ways no matter who you’re working with, whether it’s a surgeon, a physician assistant or a physical therapist. That’s required for patients to get the best care possible. If a patient has a question or a problem, we’re here to be up front and clear, so patients know what to expect.
John has focused on access to care and patient compliance to recommended physical therapy. His process improvement project at the US Naval Hospital in Beaufort, SC increased physical therapy compliance from 48% to 85%.
