Melissa Sakowski
Bakersfield
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with a strong background in neurosurgery, critical care, trauma, and medication management. Proven track record in surgical assistance, clinical pharmacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recognized for innovative practice and excellence in patient care.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Neurosurgery Physician Assistant
Center Neurorestoration Associates
Visalia, CA
09.2020 - Current
- Provide comprehensive support for neurosurgeons throughout patient care continuum, including pre-operative evaluations, first-assisting in intricate brain and spine surgeries, and overseeing post-operative recovery.
- Enhance surgical team communication, improving overall procedure efficiency and safety measures.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to provide optimal patient care and achieve successful surgical results.
Neurosurgery Physician Assistant
Valley Neurosurgery and Neurorestoration Center
Bakersfield, CA
08.2018 - Current
- Assess, diagnose, and manage patients with traumatic, infectious, neoplastic, cerebrovascular, degenerative, structural and functional neurosurgical disorders.
- First-assist in complex cranial and spinal procedures.
- Conduct thorough and targeted history and physical examinations.
- Order, interpret, and review laboratory and diagnostic studies.
- Coordinate outpatient clinic referrals, preoperative evaluation, surgery scheduling, and post-operative follow-up.
- Develop and execute neurotrauma care pathways to enhance patient outcomes.
Staff Pharmacist
Adventist Health Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Reviewed and verified medication orders for accuracy and appropriateness.
- Performed renal, pharmacokinetic, anticoagulant, and parenteral nutrition dosing and monitoring
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to optimize patient medication therapies.
- Educated patients and staff on medication usage, interactions, and side effects.
Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Kern Medical
Bakersfield, CA
01.2013 - 06.2016
- Launched and directed the emergency department clinical pharmacy program.
- Assessed medication regimens for complex patients, identifying potential drug interactions and formulating alternative treatment strategies.
- Participated in the resuscitation of all medical emergencies in the ED (e.g., toxic ingestions/exposures, adult and pediatric cardiac arrest, traumatic arrest, stroke, MI, etc.).
- Precepted PharmD students and PGY1 pharmacy residents.
- Educated patients on proper medication use.
System Wide Resource Clinical Pharmacist
Scripps Healthcare
San Diego, CA
09.2012 - 12.2012
- Conducted comprehensive medication reviews to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.
- Focused on reducing medication errors, optimizing therapy, and collaborating with teams.
ICU & ED Clinical Pharmacist
Saint Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center
Phoenix, AZ
10.2008 - 05.2012
- Delivered comprehensive pharmaceutical care to patients in intensive care units and emergency department.
- Delivered comprehensive drug information and education to healthcare professionals and patients.
- Designed institution-specific order sets to enhance standardization of prescribing practices across the hospital system.
- Elevated clinical pharmacy services by developing and implementing evidence-based protocols and guidelines.
ICU & Oncology Staff Pharmacist
Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
Burbank, CA
11.2006 - 10.2008
- Formulated personalized pharmacotherapy plans for oncology patients to enhance medication management.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate treatment protocols and improve patient care outcomes.
- Conducted medication reviews to identify potential drug interactions and enhance safety in chemotherapy regimens.
- Performed renal, pharmacokinetic, anticoagulant, antibiotic and parenteral nutrition dosing and monitoring.
Education
Master of Medical Science - Physician Assistant Studies
Saint Francis University
Loretto, PA05.2018
Certificate of Clinical Proficiency - Physician Assistant Studies
Stanford Primary Care Associate Program
Palo Alto, CA04.2018
Doctor of Pharmacy -
University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy
Los Ángeles, CA05.2006
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA06.2002
Skills
- Surgical first assistant
- Arterial line insertion
- Tissue dissection
- Suturing
- Hemostasis management
- Spinal instrumentation
- EVD placement
- ICP monitor insertion
- Shunt valve programming
- Diagnostic imaging interpretation
- Management of spinal fractures
- Traumatic brain injury care
Affiliations
- Neurocritical Care Society, 2020
- USC Epilepsy Care Consortium, 2018
- California Academy of Physician Assistants, 2017
- American Academy of Physician Assistants, 2017
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 2010
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2009
- Stroke Center Development Committee, Kern Medical, 2014 – 2016
- Faculty of the Department of Emergency Medicine, Kern Medical, 2014 – 2016
- Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Kern Medical, 2013 – 2016
- Joint ICU Committee, Kern Medical, 2013 – 2016
- Phi Beta Kappa Society, 2002
Certification
- Physician Assistant-Certified, California, #55523, 2018
- Physician Assistant-Certified, Arizona, #7100, 2018
- Physician Assistant-Certified, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, #1146683, 2018
- Registered Pharmacist, Nevada, #19176, 2015
- Registered Pharmacist Arizona, #S015988, 2007
- Registered Pharmacist, California, #58789, 2006
- Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist, #3100874, 2010
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support, 2009
- American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support, 2009
- American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support, 2009
- Emergency Neurological Life Support, 2020
- Advanced Trauma Life Support, 2022
Awards
- Clinical Pharmacy Faculty of the Year, Kern Medical, 2016
- Clinical Pharmacy Faculty of the Year, Kern Medical, 2015
- California Society of Health-System Pharmacists Award for Innovative Pharmacy Practice, Kern Medical, 2014
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of the Year Award Nominee, Kern Medical, 2014, 2015, 2016
- Emergency Department Patient Satisfaction Award, Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, 2010
- Dean’s Scholarship, University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy, 2002 – 2006
Timeline
Neurosurgery Physician Assistant
Center Neurorestoration Associates
09.2020 - Current
Neurosurgery Physician Assistant
Valley Neurosurgery and Neurorestoration Center
08.2018 - Current
Staff Pharmacist
Adventist Health Bakersfield
05.2018 - 08.2019
Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Kern Medical
01.2013 - 06.2016
System Wide Resource Clinical Pharmacist
Scripps Healthcare
09.2012 - 12.2012
ICU & ED Clinical Pharmacist
Saint Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center
10.2008 - 05.2012
ICU & Oncology Staff Pharmacist
Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
11.2006 - 10.2008
Master of Medical Science - Physician Assistant Studies
Saint Francis University
Certificate of Clinical Proficiency - Physician Assistant Studies
Stanford Primary Care Associate Program
Doctor of Pharmacy -
University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of California, Los Angeles