Ryan Kling joined Central Virginia Orthopaedics Division in August 2000 following the completion of the University of Kentucky Physician Assistant program. He serves a valuable role in the practice as First Assistant in surgery, evaluation and treatment of patients in the office for routine care, pre & post-operative evaluation and testing. Additionally, Ryan relies on his 20 years of experience as a National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Certified Athletic Trainer to act as liaison to area athletic trainers and coaches, and to spearhead our coverage of High School and Professional events.

Ryan started his career as a student athletic trainer at Michigan State University where he received his undergraduate degree. He then became Assistant Trainer at The University of Tulsa where he earned his Master’s degree with an emphasis in Athletic Training. Following completion of his Master’s he became Assistant Trainer at Southern Illinois University for 4 years. From SIU he was named Athletic Trainer at Temple University where he served as head trainer for men’s basketball. Ryan was then selected as Head Athletic Trainer at Morehead State University where he oversaw the Sports medicine program for 7 years. In addition to his collegiate work, he has interned or assisted with a number of professional athletic teams including the New York Giants, Oklahoma Outlaws of the USFL and the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers. He then returned to school in 1998 to become a Certified Physician Assistant.

Ryan also has instructed in NATA approved curriculums and is currently an NATA approved clinical instructor. He has been very active in professional organizations. He has served on the NATA’s College/University Student Athletic Trainer Committee, Kentucky Athletic Trainers Association Executive Legislative Committee and as a member of the 2000 House of Delegates to the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Kamal Chantal earned his Masters of Health Science at Lock Haven State University in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in sports medicine and athletic training at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. Before joining The Orthopaedic Center, Chantal practiced orthopaedics as an Physician Assistant from August 2004 until January 2006 at the Orthopaedic and Wellness Center in Gloversville, New York. 

Kamal started his career as a student athletic trainer at Longwood where he worked with college athletic teams from both Hampden-Sydney College and Longwood University.  While at Longwood he spent three months with Central Virginia Orthopaedics shadowing Ryan Kling, PA-C.  Upon graduation from Longwood he started his education as a physician assistant at Lock Haven University. 

At The Orthopaedic Center, Chantal works primarily in The Spine Center, assisting the spine surgeons with most aspects of patient treatment and care, and has trained vigorously under the direction of our surgeons.

Kamal maintains certifications from the American Academy of Physician Assistants (PA-C), the American Heart Association (BLS, ACLS), and the NATA Board of Certification (AT-C). He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the National Athletic Trainers Association, Longwood Athletic Trainers Association, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Alpha Sigma Phi Social Fraternity.

Kamal is married and looking forward to starting a family in Lynchburg.

Lisa Best joined Blue Ridge Orthopedics in September 1999 from a private orthopedic practice in Conway, South Carolina. She serves a valuable role in the practice as First Assistant in surgery, as well as assisting with the management of our office and hospital patients. Additionally, Lisa relies on her experience as a National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Certified Athletic Trainer to act as liaison to local High School and college athletic trainers.

Lisa started her career as a student athletic trainer at James Madison University where she received her undergraduate degree. She earned her Master’s degree with an emphasis in Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia while serving as the Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Longwood College. Following completion of her Master’s degree she became the Assistant Athletic Trainer and Instructor of Sports Medicine program at Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia.  She served as an Athletic Trainer and Instructor for 4 years as she received her training as a Physician Assistant.  While at Alderson-Broaddus, Lisa provided medical care for local high school athletic teams as well as Division II collegiate teams.  During her service at Alderson-Broaddus college she was selected to volunteer as an athletic trainer at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado as well as be a medical service provider at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games. 

After completing the Physician Assistant's program, Lisa joined a private orthopedic practice in Conway, South Carolina where she served as a Physician Assistant for a knee specialist.  Lisa met her husband in Myrtle Beach and moved back to her home state of Virginia in 1999 joining Blue Ridge Orthopedics. 
Lisa's professional affiliations include:  American Academy of Physician Assistants, Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery, Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants, National Athletic Trainers Association, Mid Atlantic Athletic Trainers Association.

Lisa is married with one son. She enjoys horseback riding and fox hunting.

Marcy Cole joined OCCVA in May of 2008. She started her career as a student athletic trainer at East Carolina University (ECU) caring for many of the NCAA Division 1 athletic teams. She graduated from ECU with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine. After graduation Marcy started working as a Medical Assistant and Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) full time for an Orthopaedic Practice while attending ECU part-time to fulfill the prerequisites needed to apply to PA School. Marcy was accepted into ECU’s first PA class and graduated in 1999. From there, Marcy moved to Nashville, TN and worked for a private Orthopaedic practice. While in Tennessee she worked on State Legislation to improve health insurance reimbursement for PA’s working as first assistants in the OR. In 2004, Marcy re-joined the private Orthopaedic practice in NC as a PA-C/ATC. This practice is associated with a Level One Trauma Center and ECU’s Medical School. She was a preceptor for PA students, medical students, ED and PM and R Residents. She also held a position as an Adjunct Assistant Professor to ECU’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies. During Marcy’s career in orthopaedics she has worked along side surgeons who have specialized in Sports Medicine, Foot and Ankle, Hand, Trauma and developmental pediatrics. Marcy moved to Virginia when she got married.

Marcy maintains certifications with the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the National Athletic Trainers Association and in CPR. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Nation al Athletic Trainers Association, Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Society, the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association.

Over the years Marcy has lectured to many university students about various orthopaedic topics. She enjoys reading, playing sports, traveling and hanging out with family and friends.