Ryan Ballard, PA
Instructor, Orthopedics
Graduate Schools
- MHS, Duke University (2005)
- PA-C, Duke University (2005)
Undergraduate School
- BS, University of Colorado - Boulder (CO) (1996)
Languages
EnglishDepartment
OrthopedicsProfessional Titles
- Certified Physician Assistant
Recognitions
-
Class President, Duke University
(2005)
Class President, Duke University Physician Assistant Program, Class of 2005 -
Duke Alumni Scholarship, Duke University
(2005)
Recipient of 2005 Duke University Alumni Scholarship -
Service Excellence Team Award, Children's Hospital Colorado
(2007)
Children’s Medical Practice Service Excellence Team Award of Appreciation issued to Spine Program at Children's Hospital Colorado. -
Five Star Excellence Award, Children's Hospital Colorado
(2013)
Recognized for scoring in the top 10% nationally for "Excellent" patient satisfaction responses.
Research Interests
My research interests are primarily focused on the area of pediatric spinal deformity. I am involved in a multi-disciplinary task force designed to look at all variables that could have an impact on surgical site infection in spine surgery patients. We coined the term "target zero" implying that our mission was to drive our surgical site infection rate down to zero. We are quite proud to report that this has been very effective and also sought after for replication at many sites across the country. This project has also led to significant scholarly work.Publications
- Ballard MR, Miller, NH, Nyquist AC, Benefield E, Baulesh DM, Erickson MA. A Multidisciplinary approach improves infection rates in pediatric spine surgery. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. Apr 2012;32(3):266-270.
- Step up to Pediatrics. Chapter 6 Rheumatologic Disorders and Orthopedic Conditions. Author of: Approach to Back pain, Approach to spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, Scoliosis
- JPO-10411R1, entitled "The Use of Barbed Sutures During Scoliosis Fusion Wound Closure: a Quality Improvement Analysis"
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Member
- Spinal Deformity Study Group (SDSG), Member
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Practioners Society (POPS), Member
Practice Locations
Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus13123 East 16th Ave
Aurora, CO 80045
720-777-1234
Hospital Affiliation
- Children's Hospital Colorado
Specialty Information
Specialties- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Certified Physician Assistant, Certificate (2005)
- Bones, Joints and Muscles - Spine Injuries
- Bones, Joints and Muscles - Fractures
- Bones, Joints and Muscles - Scoliosis
- Bones, Joints and Muscles
Clinical Interests
I work in the Spine Program at Children's Hospital Colorado in conjunction with Dr. Mark Erickson. My clinical interests include treatment of children and young adults with spinal disorders including: idiopathic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, early onset scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal trauma, as well as general pediatric orthopedic conditions.
Care Philosophy
I am committed to providing the highest quality, professional, and ethical care to all patients. I work as a team with Dr. Mark Erickson and we share a care philosophy that the entire family, including the patient, should be involved in the decision making and care. At Children's Hospital Colorado we have amazing resources at our disposal specifically geared towards treating the pediatric and young adult patient. Our team concept of treating the patient involves not only the physician and physician assistant but a multidisciplinary approach from a team of pediatric specialty trained experts including: anesthesiologists, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, nutritionists, and child life specialists. The spine team at Children's Colorado is one of the top pediatric spine care teams in the country.
I work in the Spine Program at Children's Hospital Colorado in conjunction with Dr. Mark Erickson. My clinical interests include treatment of children and young adults with spinal disorders including: idiopathic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, early onset scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal trauma, as well as general pediatric orthopedic conditions.
Care Philosophy
I am committed to providing the highest quality, professional, and ethical care to all patients. I work as a team with Dr. Mark Erickson and we share a care philosophy that the entire family, including the patient, should be involved in the decision making and care. At Children's Hospital Colorado we have amazing resources at our disposal specifically geared towards treating the pediatric and young adult patient. Our team concept of treating the patient involves not only the physician and physician assistant but a multidisciplinary approach from a team of pediatric specialty trained experts including: anesthesiologists, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, nutritionists, and child life specialists. The spine team at Children's Colorado is one of the top pediatric spine care teams in the country.
Personal Interests
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife and 2 children. We like to get up to the mountains when we can for skiing and spending time with family. My hobbies include carpentry and building custom furniture.
Public Speaking
Yes
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife and 2 children. We like to get up to the mountains when we can for skiing and spending time with family. My hobbies include carpentry and building custom furniture.
Public Speaking
Yes