Physician Assistants

scott.tuinstra@brain-and-spine.com

Scott Tiunstra, PA-C is a certified physician assistant with more than 11 years of neurosurgical experience focusing on minimally invasive intracranial and spinal techniques. He has worked closely with Dr. David Lowry for the past nine years and is intimately involved in pre, intra and post postoperative patient care.

“I enjoy the many technical challenges found in neurosurgery. Every patient presents with a unique problem that deserves our utmost attention. I especially enjoy seeing patients with debilitating ailments who are able to “get back to living” after a successful operation. I find this tremendously gratifying.”

Scott graduated from Hope College in 1998 with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry. He then completed his graduate Physician Assistant training in Pennsylvania, where he received a Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Arcadia University. Following graduation, he worked in private practice neurosurgery in Evansville, Indiana for two years before joining Dr. Lowry in Grand Rapids at Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates. Scott joined the Brain + Spine Center in 2004.

Since joining the Brain + Spine Center, Scott has regularly collaborated with other professionals in the community on several medical innovation projects. He is the Co-Founder and medical consultant for Transcorp Spine, Inc., an early stage medical device company that specializes in minimally invasive, motion preserving surgical techniques. Scott is also Co-inventor and patent holder of medical device technologies.

Scott is also involved with the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Academy of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants, Grand Valley State University health professions preceptor, Hope College health professions preceptor and a guest lecturer at Holland Hospital.

When not at work he can be found kite surfing on Lake Michigan or home playing with his two kids. Aside from spending time with his wife and kids, Scott also enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including windsurfing, scuba diving, and running.

jeff.alferink@brain-and-spine.com

Jefferson D. Alferink joined the Brain + Spine Center in April 2009. He is a Certified Physician’s Assistant.

Jeff received his degree at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1999. Before joining the Brain + Spine Center, Jeff was and Army Medic for the United States Army, and also worked at Indian Health Services and MeritCare Hospital in North Dakota. He is involved with the American Academy of Physicians Assistants.

He enjoys providing quality care and educating patients to maximize their surgical outcome and non-surgical outcomes. Why did Jeff become a Physician’s assistant? He states, “To provide high quality, cost effective health care.”