Broken Bones Lead to a Career in the Operating Room
Personal Experience and Hands-on Training at Touro, Combined with a Passion for Patient Care, Shape Nicholas Petrini’s Career in Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Thanks to a broken wrist and numerous other broken bones, Nicholas Petrini was in and out of the orthopedist’s office as a child. He developed a fascination with medicine early on that only grew during his college years at Stony Brook University. As he entered grad school, the School of Health Sciences ’25 Physician Assistant alum discovered his passion at Touro, where specialized clinical experiences including several years of orthopedic shadowing, a one-month clinical orthopedic rotation, and an advanced four-month orthopedic rotation at South Nassau Hospital solidified his commitment to patient care. Now practicing in a private spine surgery clinic in Long Island, NY he draws on his own personal experiences coupled with empathy and technical skills to deliver high-quality patient care.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA)?
My journey to becoming a PA goes back to childhood. I broke my wrist when I was just five years old, the first of eight bones I broke throughout my life. That exposure to the orthopedic specialty planted a seed early on.
When I started college, I majored in Biomedical Engineering at Stony Brook University, but everything changed when I shadowed my lifelong orthopedist. Within a month, I realized I wanted to be directly involved in patient care rather than working behind the scenes. I would continue to shadow him for another two years.
I loved the hands-on approach, the need for constant brainstorming and problem-solving, and the ability to build meaningful relationships with patients. Having been in their position so many times, I understood the fear and uncertainty they felt. Now, patient education is one of my favorite parts of my job! Explaining what’s happening, what comes next and using my own experiences as reassurance is something I’m truly passionate about. The background image on my phone is even one of my old MRIs; it keeps me grounded in why I do what I do.
What drew you to the highly specialized field of orthopedic spine surgery?
The PA job market is incredibly competitive, especially when you're aiming for a specialty. During my time in the Touro School of Health Sciences PA program, I applied for and was accepted into the Advanced Clinical Training Track. That opportunity gave me an extra orthopedic rotation and four months of hands-on experience at South Nassau Hospital, where I had the opportunity to work closely with spine surgeons. It opened my eyes to how impactful and technically challenging the field is, while simultaneously expanding my practitioner skillset and giving me an edge as I applied for jobs.
Right now, I love what I'm doing. In the next few years, I may explore new areas within orthopedics, but spine surgery has been a perfect place to grow.
What does a typical day look like working as a PA at a private orthopedic spine practice?
I work with Dr. Marc Agulnick, a Spine Care Specialist, in a small private practice.
A typical week includes clinic days where I’ll be seeing about 25 patients, and operating room days that start around 7 am with two to three cases depending on complexity. I also do hospital rounds to check on recent postoperative patients, where I answer questions, discuss pain expectations, and review mobility plans.
It’s a balance between patient care, documentation, and communication across multiple facilities, yet it's incredibly rewarding.
How did your training at Touro prepare you for working in orthopedic surgery?
The Advanced Clinical Training Track made all the difference. Only about 10% of students are accepted based on academic performance and clinical excellence, so it was an incredible opportunity.
School of Health Sciences faculty members, many of whom are still actively practicing in the field, brought critical real-world insight into the classroom. I learned not just medicine, but professionalism, including charting, coding, malpractice awareness, and how to operate as part of a surgical team. That experience made the transition into my role much smoother.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned during the PA program?
Patience. It’s easy to forget how overwhelming medical information can be. Patients are scared because they don’t understand what’s happening. Taking the time to explain concepts clearly and using visual aids makes all the difference. In fact, I often use plaster spine models so patients can physically see what will be done during surgery. It helps build trust, confidence, and clarity, which is mutually beneficial both for the patient and their provider team.
What do you enjoy most about your work, and what challenges have you had to navigate?
I love working with patients and collaborating with colleagues from so many different backgrounds. Every day is different, and every patient teaches me something new.
The biggest challenge has been time management, especially during busy clinic days. I want to give every patient my full attention, but I also must respect the schedule. Sometimes that means finishing notes later and relying heavily on organization and memory. Even on the most challenging days, I still go to bed knowing that I spent my day doing what I love.
