Hip Replacement Center, Knee Replacement Center, La Quinta, CA 92253

meet the staff

Vangie Weems, MS, PA-C

A native of Joplin, Missouri, Vangie moved to California in 1984. She has worked in the medical field since she was a teenager – starting as a cashier in the Eisenhower Medical Center cafeteria. She eventually transferred to the laboratory, where she worked as a Phlebotomist and then a Cytology Technician in the Pathology Department. While working in the laboratory, her supervising physician encouraged her to further her education.

Vangie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from California State University in 1998. After college, she did HIV research for approximately 2 years before deciding to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. She received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2002 from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

She was employed at La Jolla Spine Institute in La Jolla, California, where she assisted orthopedic spine surgeon, Kamshad Raiszadeh, MD for nearly 2 years. Following that, she returned to her home in the desert and worked at Desert Orthopedic Center assisting spine surgeon, Armen Khachatryan, MD for approximately 3 years.

In May 2008, Vangie joined STAR Orthopaedics to assist joint replacement surgeon, Raj Sinha, MD, PhD. She is an important part of his team in providing excellent health care to his patients.

Vangie is a fellow member of the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the California Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA).

She lives in La Quinta where she enjoys spending her time with her 3 dogs, hiking local trails and riding her motorcycle.

Andy Lovato, PA-C

Andy Lovato has experience as a Physician Assistant that literally spans the nation. He has served in the U.S. Navy and the Naval Reserve. His wife was active-duty Navy, so it gave
them a chance to experience life in different areas of the country.

While in the reserves, Andy also worked as a civilian Physician Assistant at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Despot in San Diego, before going across the country to join the Occupational Health and Rehabilitation Urgent Care Clinic in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

In 2003, Andy was a surgery first assistant at Virginia Mason Orthopedics in Federal Way, Washington. Prior to joining
S.T.A.R. Orthopaedics, he worked at Desert Orthopedic Center in Rancho Mirage, California. Andy now works with L. Sam Reber, M.D., Director of Sports Medicine at S.T.A.R. Orthopaedics. Their practice consists of recreational athletes as well as high school, college, and professional athletes, and they are high respected for their care and expertise in Sports Medicine.

A Denver native, Andy received an Associate's Degree from Columbia College in Treasure Island, California in 1992. He also became a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) that same year. To become a Physician Assistant, he attended the Stanford Primary Care Associate Program in Palo Alto which he completed in 1995. Andy is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and of the California Academy of Physician Assistants.

Andy lives in the area with his wife and daughter and has a son in college. In his free time he enjoys geocaching,
hiking and fishing.

Margaret Cutler, BA, RN
Clinical Research Coordinator

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