Physician Assistants

Casey Clarke, PA-C

Casey Clarke is originally from Statesville, North Carolina but has spent the last 10 years in the Raleigh area. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Carolina State University (Go Wolfpack!) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Human Biology and a minor in Nutrition. After graduating, Casey worked as an Emergency Medical Technician in Wake County for 2 years before attending Methodist University’s Physician Assistant Program. From there, Casey joined Dr. Rhett Hallows’ team in 2016. He is a member of The American Academy of Physician Assistants and is endorsed by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

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 OrthopaedicClinic in 2011. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants.

Kyle Kirkland, PA-C

Kyle Kirkland grew up in Durham, but she is a loyal Tarheelfan. She graduated with both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from UNC-Chapel Hill. After UNC, she worked in urgent care and OBGYN. She then went on to receive her Master of Health Science from Duke University’s physician assistant program. Kyle joined Dr. Selene Parekh’s team at NC Orthopaedic clinic in 2015. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants. Kyle lives with her husband in Durham and she loves to spend time outside on the water at the lake and beach.

Melissa List, PA-C

Melissa graduate cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science in 2003 from James Madison University. She volunteered as a first responder during her undergraduate career for the Harrisonburg Rescue squad and was accepted into her Physician Assistant program directly following the completion of her Bachelor's degree. Melissa received her Master's degree in Physician Assistant Medicine from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, IL in 2005. Over the course of 10 years she has worked in the fields of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, and Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery. Before joining Dr. Mithani, she worked for over 7 years at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago specializing in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. She is a member of the Triangle Area Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Melissa lives in Holly Springs with her husband and their two young boys and dog. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and being active in outdoor activities.

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.