Team- Michael L. Swank, M.D. - Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Jessica Pogue, Physician Assistant

Jess joined Beacon as Dr. Swank’s Physician Assistant in 2019. She was born and raised in Cincinnati, but after high school, she relocated to Winston Salem, North Carolina to attend Wake Forest University. Jess earned both her undergraduate degree and Masters of Medical Science from Wake Forest. Outside of work, the majority of Jess’ time is devoted to her husband and her two young children. Jess also enjoys running and being active outdoors in her free time.

Greg Newkirk, Physician Assistant

Greg has worked as an Orthopaedic Physician Assistant since 2002. He first graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a Major in Athletic Training. After working as a Certified Athletic Trainer for the Cincinnati Sports Medicine Group for five years, he returned to Kettering College of Medical Arts to obtain his degree as a physician assistant. He went on to obtain his Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska. His first 12 years were spent both in the office and the operating room with two orthopaedic surgeons who covered all orthopaedic issues from arthroscopies to total joint replacements. He then spent two years both in the office and the operating room with a spine surgeon. Since 2016, he has worked with Dr. Swank seeing patients solely in the office. With the supervision of Dr. Swank, he independently evaluates, diagnoses, and treats patients’ injuries. Greg was one of the first PAs in the midwest to utilize musculoskeletal ultrasound for diagnostic purposes. He has spoken on this subject at both state and national conferences. Greg is also a member of the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Physician Assistants, and Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery. When he is not working, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children. He enjoys both playing and coaching sports as well as watching dance competitions.

Heather James, Surgery Scheduler

Heather joined Dr. Swank’s group in 2023. She has worked in as a social worker and in an orthopedic clinic before arriving to Beacon. As Dr. Swank’s Surgery scheduler she understands that the process for scheduling surgery can be difficult and a whirlwind of deadlines and requirements. Heather takes pride in being very detailed when scheduling patients for surgery and making sure the process is straightforward and easy to follow. Heather makes herself easy to contact throughout the whole process for any questions or concerns during the patients scheduling process. Feel free to reach her direct line at 513-354-3719.

Vanessa Campbell, Medical Assistant and Phone Triage

Vanessa has worked with Dr. Swank for seven years and has been the first point of contact for most of Dr. Swank’s Patients. Anytime a patient needs to reach anyone on Dr. Swank’s team Vanessa will be the one to assist. Vanessa can answer medical questions, schedule your appointment, confirm information, and direct any questions she can’t answer to the correct team member. Please reach out to Vanessa at 513-530-3027 during regular business hours and leave a message 24/7 and she will get back to you the next business day.

Deena Carter, Certified Medical Assistant and Clinic Lead

Deena is a certified medical assistant for Dr. Swank. She has worked with him for over 16 years. When you come into clinic for an appointment Deena will be the first smiling face you see. She is there to make sure your clinic experience is streamline and that Swank, Jess, or Greg have all the information they need for your visit. Deena will greet you, obtain height and weight, and ask questions to gain important subjective information about your symptoms. Being an integral member of Dr. Swank’s team with 16+ years of experience any and all questions are sure to be answered before you leave the clinic or with a call. Being at the forefront of starting the treatment plans for Dr. Swank, she helps with the organization of surgical treatments and getting approval for non-surgical treatment plans as needed. Deena is a great resource for any of your needs. Deena is in clinic 5 days a week so, If you need to reach Deena please call and leave a message at 513-530-3001.

Liz Moermond, Clinic Coordinator

Liz has worked as a Licensed Athletic Trainer for 9 years and joined Dr. Swank’s group in 2019. Hired on as Dr. Swank’s clinic coordinator she is able to answer any questions, complaints, or concerns you may have. This does include explanations of treatment plans that Dr. Swank recommends for his patients. You will see her on Mondays and Thursday in the clinic and most calls are made Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Feel free to call her at 513-389-3613.

Marilyn Collier, Research Assistant

Marilyn has worked with Dr. Swank for over years. All the paperwork a surgical patient fills out, all the information Dr. Swank collects during surgery, and all the paperwork established patients fill out after a replacement goes to Marilyn. She enters the information in the database, organizes all of Dr. Swank’s research information, and keeps track of it over the years. This information that Marilyn is inputting has helped Dr. Swank know what the best implant to use per patient, what to expect after surgery and provides the best outcomes for all of our patients.