Physician Assistants

Tenaja Gay, PA-C	Tenaja S. Gay joined NCOC as a physician assistant in 2009. Tenaja is a graduate of NCSU where she obtained a BS in Biology. She continued her studies at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC and received her Masters in Medical Science in 2008. She has her Physician Assistant Certification through the NCCPA. She is also a member of the NCAPA. Tenaja has been working with Dr Parekh since he joined NCOC in April 2009. She finds great joy in assisting in surgery and making sure every patient feels their concerns are understood and addressed. Tenaja currently resides in Cary with her beautiful teenage daughter. She can be reached at our team care line 919-403-5180.

Nikki Graf, PA-C	Nikki Graf is originally from western New York State. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomechanical Engineering from Cornell University and transitioned into more clinical roles soon after graduating. After working as a Pulmonary Function Tech at Children’s Hospital Boston, Nikki moved to Durham to attend Duke University’s Physician Assistant Program, where she earned her Master of Health Science degree and was inducted into Pi Alpha, the national Physician Assistant Honor Society. Nikki spent a year in surgical spine practice at Duke before coming to work with Dr. Almekinders at NC Orthopaedic Clinic in 2011. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants.

James Messersmith, PA-C	Jamey Messersmith graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science in 1999 from Furman University in Greenville, SC. After working as an assistant in the cardiology and endoscopy departments at Bloomington Hospital in Bloomington, IN, he completed his Master of Health Sciences at Duke University's nationally-ranked physician assistant program. He joined the staff of NC Orthopaedic Clinic and Dr. Scott Kelley's care team upon becoming certified as a physician assistant in 2003. He specializes in adult reconstructive surgery doing total hip and total knee replacements with Dr. Kelley. He is licensed by the North Carolina Medical Board and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants, the Triangle Area Physician Assistants and Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery. He sees patients in the clinic, makes rounds at the hospital, and assists with all the surgeries. Mr. Messersmith lives in Durham with his wife and two young children. He enjoys sports, coaching his children’s teams, and spending time with family.