OUR STORY
We are Southern Oregon’s first interventional pain management practice with specialists in both anesthesiology and physiatry. We strive to be pioneers in the advancement of pain management techniques and to remain on the cutting edge of pain management, and continue to be informed and trained in new methods and technology.
We believe treatment cannot be standardized across diagnoses and so we work with specialized practitioners to create a customized treatment plan that is most effective to your individual needs.
MEET THE DOCS
Trained physicians Dr. Savino completed an Anesthesiology residency and a fellowship in Interventional Pain Management at Loma Linda University Medical Center (Loma Linda, CA), and received board certification in Anesthesiology through the American Board of Anesthesiologists with subspecialty Certification in Pain Management. Dr. Johnston, a graduate of the University of New England Medical School, completed a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and a fellowship in Pain Medicine at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN). Dr. Quave, board certification Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with a sub-specialty in Pain Medicine. Dr. Kim, board certification Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with a sub-specialty in Pain Medicine.
Dr. George Johnston, DO
Dr. Johnston, an Oregon native, graduated from the University of New England College of Medicine in 1999. Following medical school, he continued his education at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. There he completed an internship in internal medicine followed by a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation. In 2004, he completed his fellowship in pain medicine. Dr. Johnston is a diplomat of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and has subspecialty board certification in Pain Medicine. He moved to the Rogue Valley in 2004. He brought his unique and diverse skill set to Pain Specialists of Southern Oregon in 2006. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Johnston enjoys CrossFit, golfing and spending time with his family.
BOARD CERTIFICATION
- Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation
- Subspecialty In Pain Medicine
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Pain Specialists of Southern Oregon, Medford, Oregon
- Northwest Spine & Pain Center, Ashland, Oregon
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
- Pain Medicine Fellowship, Mayo School Of Medicine
- Internship/Residency, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo School of Medicine
EDUCATION
- Medical School (DO): University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Graduate Education (DC): Western States Chiropractic Education (BS): University Of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Jackson County Medical Society
- Oregon Medical Association
- American Academy of Pain Medicine
- International Spine Intervention Society
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Dr. Joseph Savino, MD
Dr. Savino graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 2000. He then completed an Anesthesiology residency and a fellowship in Interventional Pain Management at Loma Linda University Medical Center, and received board certification in Anesthesiology with subspecialty Certification in Pain Management. Dr. Savino is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pain Management and a Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice through the World Institute of Pain. He arrived in the Rogue Valley with his family in 2005 and has since become a vibrant part of the community, serving as a board member of two local non-profit organizations.
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:
- Subspecialty Certification Pain Medicine – American Board of Anesthesiology
- Diplomate – American Board of Pain Medicine
- Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice – World Institute of Pain
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
- Pain Specialists of Southern Oregon, Medford, OR
EDUCATION:
- Undergraduate: Pacific Union College
- Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:
- Internship: Kettering Medical Center
- Residency: Anesthesiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center
- Fellowship: Pain Management, Loma Linda University Center for Pain Management
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
- American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
- Jackson County Medical Society
- American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
- International Spine Intervention Society
- American Academy of Pain Medicine
Brett Quave, MD
Dr. Quave is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and the son of professional jazz musicians. Despite his passion for music, he decided to pursue a career in the healing arts and graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1999. After a transitional internship at Kettering Medical Center in Ohio, Dr. Quave completed both his Anesthesiology Residency and Pain Medicine Fellowship at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Upon completion of his training, Dr. Quave practiced at Desert Pain Care in Palm Springs, California, and was then recruited to the Pacific Northwest to build “Water’s Edge,” a large, hospital-based pain practice in Yakima, Washington. He was the founder of Quave Pain Centers and essentials located in Medford, Oregon.
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:
- Anesthesiology-American Board of Anesthesiology Subspecialty Pain Medicine
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
- Desert Pain Care in Palm Springs, California, and was then recruited to the Pacific Northwest to build “Water’s Edge,” hospital-based pain practice in Yakima,Washington.
- Quave Clinic, Pain Treatment
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING/EDCATION:
- Loma Linda University School of Medicine
- Internship at Kettering Medical Center in Ohio
- Anesthesiology Residency and Pain Medicine
- Fellowship at Loma Linda University Medical Center
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
- North American Spine Society
- Spine Intervention Society
- American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
- International Spine Intervention Society
- American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine
- American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Daniel Kim, MD
Daniel Kim, MD was a National Merit Scholar and received a full tuition scholarship for his undergraduate education at Andrews University in Michigan. Dr. Kim then earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University in California, where he received the Whole Person Care Award. Dr. Kim completed his physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residency at Rutgers NJMS /Kessler Institute in West Orange, New Jersey, which was ranked as the top PM&R residency hospital training program on the East Coast, according to US News & World Report. Dr. Kim then completed his pain medicine fellowship at Mid Atlantic Spine with Dr. Frank Falco, who has been a clinical associate professor for Temple University and was a previous president of The American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. Dr. Kim provided chronic pain patient care at Quave Clinic that was located in Medford, Oregon.
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Subspecialty in Pain Medicine
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
- Quave Clinic, Pain Treatment Centers in Medford, Oregon
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING/EDCATION:
- Andrews University in Michigan
- Loma Linda University in California,
- Residency at Rutgers NJMS /Kessler Institute in West Orange, New Jersey
- Pain medicine fellowship at Mid Atlantic Spine
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
- North American Spine Society
- Spine Intervention Society
- American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians • American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine
- American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Paul Leppert
RN, ANP
Read Paul's Bio
Paul was born and raised on the East Coast. He volunteered for the Marines and served in Vietnam. He was the first combat veteran appointed, from the ranks, to Midshipman at the US Navel Academy but was medically disqualified. He lived in Europe several years and attended medical school in Spain for a year before financial constraints forced him to postpone his dream.
He returned to the United States, earned an engineering degree at night school. He worked for several major firms in their technology divisions and was recruited by Boos, Allen and Hamilton to join their consulting practice. He went on to form his own technology consulting company specializing in technology management for financial trading firms. His firm designed and implemented high tech trading floors for several leading financial Wall St. firms.
In his 50’s he reengineered himself and returned to his first love, medicine. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and went on to become a Certified Emergency Nurse. While working in the ER, he completed a 2 yr. Master of Nursing degree, completed his clinical work, passed his national board examination and become a Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner.
As a local he provided emergency and primary care in multiple locations, throughout the country. In Oregon, he met his wife, Linda. They settled here, in the Rogue Valley, where they enjoy exploring our beautiful countryside. They also enjoy family, sports shooting, our many theater venues, music and movies.
Paul has always been involved in community service. While on the East Coast he was a volunteer EMT, EMT Instructor and continues to have Paramedic Certification.
Paul also served for more than 20 years as a small boat coxswain in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. He spent many hours on safety patrols and his most memorable service was 10 straight nights and days of patrols in New York harbor after 9/11 for which he and his crew were awarded the 9/11 Medal.
Paul had been active in pain management for more than a year before joining Pain Specialists of Southern Oregon. He enjoys acting as a coach, helping his patients manage their pain with multiple resources: including counseling, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, interventional procedures and medications.
Denise Partin
RN, FNP
Read Denise's Bio
Denise, originally from Ohio, began her nursing career as a registered nurse in 1999. After her first year as a Trauma/Orthopedic nurse at University Hospital in Cincinnati, she moved to Colorado. With 2-1/2 years of experience on the Neurosurgery/Neurology/Orthopedic Unit at University Hospital in Denver, Denise decided to become a travel nurse. She worked with adults on various medical-surgical units in six states over the course of 6 years.
In 2009, she moved outside Nashville and stayed for 8 years. She held the position of staff nurse and team leader on the orthopedic and joint replacement units at St. Thomas Midtown. During her stay in Tennessee, Denise obtained her Master of Science degree in Family Nurse Practice from Tennessee State University in 2017. She is certified with American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Jeremy Cathey
FNP-C, APRN
Read Jeremy's Bio
He received his medical degree in 2016 having over 2 years of diverse experience, especially in Nurse Practitioner. Jeremy has a Master of Science in Nursing and is affiliated with many hospitals including Asante Three Rivers Medical Center, Jackson Parish Hospital. Jeremy worked at Optimal Health of Southern Oregon in Grants Pass before joining Pain Specialists of Southern Oregon in 2018.
Susan M. Rugh
RN, MSN, FNP-C
Read Susan's Bio
Sue is an Oregon native and has lived in southern Oregon for the majority of her life.
Prior to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, Sue served her community for over 30 years in emergency medical services (EMS) as both a volunteer and professional firefighter, fire officer and paramedic. She worked for organizations across Oregon, including Corvallis Fire and Rescue; Buck Medical Services, Portland, Or; Lebanon Fire District; Ashland Fire & Rescue and Mercy Flights, Inc. Sue’s final role in EMS was as a Certified Flight Paramedic with Mercy Flights, Inc.
Sue began pursuing a nursing education while working as a flight paramedic. The decision to become an RN was made in part, after suffering several injuries from the very physically demanding work in fire/EMS.
She also desired the ability to continue to work in medicine long after retiring from EMS.
With this goal in mind, she completed her bachelor of nursing degree through Oregon Health and Sciences University. After several years working as a registered nurse at La Clinica, Medford, Or., she went on to complete her Master’s degree in Nursing at Simmons University, Boston, MA.
Upon enrolling in her Master’s degree in nursing, Sue retired from Emergency Medical Services officially, after 32 years of service.
Sue has experience working as a provider in pain management and additionally has worked as a primary care provider and as an Urgent Care provider as an employee of Asante.
Sue’s personal experience with chronic pain and desire to live fully and function independently despite pain, helps her better understand and empathize with chronic pain patients. Her goal is to provide compassionate care and options for those with chronic pain. She will listen to each patient and will work together with them to develop a safe, individualized plan.
When not at work, Sue tries to spend quality time with her family. You will also find Sue hiking, hunting, fishing, kayaking, camping and gardening or working on projects at home.
Carie Anderson
FNP,DNP
Read Carie's Bio
Education California Baptist University Degree: Doctorate of Nursing Practice: Field Of Study Fire Safety for Children, Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation 2016 – 2018 Doctoral project on Fire Safety for Children: A Simulation Toolkit. California Baptist University Master’s Degree: Field Of Study Family Nurse Practitioner, (FNP-C) 2014 – 2016 California State University-Sacramento RN Field Of Study Nursing 2002 – 2003 Southwestern Adventist University Degree Associate of Science – AS Field Of Study CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/ Technician 1980 – 1987 University of Phoenix: Business Management /Commerce General.
Matthew Meehan
FNP
Read Matthew's Bio
(Starting Jan.2023)
Matthew Meehan is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who has been in the health care field for 18 years. Ten of those years have been as a registered nurse. In 2018, he graduated from Walden University at the top of his class earning several different honor society invitations and a full-tuition nursing excellence scholarship where he received a Master of Science degree specializing in family medicine.
Matthew Meehan has advanced training and is extremely well versed in regenerative medicine and ultrasound-guided joint injections. He has traveled across the country to receive the best and most intensive training from the top experts in the regenerative medicine industry. He routinely combines stem cell treatments with ortho-biologic therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Combining stem cells with concentrated PRP result in a powerful treatment for osteoarthritis, sports injuries, work injuries, and auto accident injuries that are minimally invasive and cost-effective, helping patients avoid surgeries, opioids, and addiction.
Matthew Meehan is married with one son and resides in Medford, OR.
Jaclyn Blair Thornton
NP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC
Read Jaclyn's Bio
(Starting Jan.2023)
Jaclyn Blair Thornton, APRN, AGPCNP-BC is a board-certified nurse practitioner. In 2004, she became an RN and received her BSN from the University of Memphis. Blair began working as a nurse at Methodists Hospital in Memphis on a neuro/ortho medical-surgical floor. From there, she went to CV-OR and general surgery before moving to Hilton Head in 2009.
The next 9 years of her career, she worked at Hilton Head Hospital as an RN for med-surg patients. When the hospital opened their spine unit, she became one of the selected nurses to work with these patients while continuing to care for medical and other surgical patients. In 2015, Blair received the Daisy award for patient care. Blair graduated in June 2018 with her Master of Science in Nursing from Drexel University.
From there she went on to practice adult-geriatric primary care, urgent care, in home hospice, in home wellness assessments, pulmonology and sleep medicine. Throughout her career she has had broad variety of experience with pain management.
Pain Specialists of Southern Oregon is excited to welcome Jaclyn, where she will work to diagnose and treat chronic pain in adult patients.
Education and training
- Drexel University, Philadelphia, Master’s in Nursing
- University of Memphis (Bachelor’s)
Professional memberships
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing
- American Nurses Association
- South Carolina Nurses Association
- Coalition for Access to Health Care
Awards and publications
- Daisy Award, 2015
- Clinical Ladder, 2013-2016
- Basic Life Support Certification
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification
We treat the whole person.
Using a multidisciplinary approach to pain management, we go beyond just medications by incorporating lifestyle changes, non-invasive surgical procedures, physical therapy, education and other treatments.
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All medical communications please use MyChart or please call 541-779-5228.
A referral is needed from your primary care doctor, and authorization for medical records release.
