February 28, 2022
Meet JJ Scerba, PA
Physician Assistant
JJ treats patients at the Orthopedic Injury Clinic in Chesterfield, specializing in nonoperative management of bone, muscle and joint injuries. His clinical interests include acute and chronic shoulder and elbow pain, acute sports injuries, knee pain/injuries and fracture care.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Edwardsville, Illinois. I spent most of my childhood playing sports, mostly football and baseball. Fun fact - my high school baseball team won 64 consecutive games. Still an Illinois state record.
What made you choose orthopedics as a specialty?
While playing college baseball at Missouri State University, I injured my shoulder and ended up having my shoulder arthroscoped. The surgeon who performed my surgery had a physician assistant that worked with him. That was my introduction to the profession and I decided to make it my career.
What brought you to Washington University? How long have you been with the department?
I have been with WashU for almost two years. I worked in private practice here in St. Louis for 20 years prior to coming to WashU, but I was looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to grow. With the WashU reputation for excellence, it was an obvious choice.
What aspect of your practice do you find most interesting or rewarding?
The most interesting part of my practice is never knowing what is going to be behind the clinic door. Every patient is different and it is rewarding to make their treatment unique to them.
What ages do you treat?
In my clinic, I see patients 15 and above focusing on shoulders, elbows, and knees.
What's the biggest difference in treating patients of different ages?
The biggest difference in treating young patients and older patients is that generally, kids get better quickly and many times, with older adults, we are managing long-standing issues.
What is the best advice you have ever received and who was it from?
The best advice given to me was from my father. He told me to find a profession that I truly enjoy and then be the best that I can be at it.
What's your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is to watch my four children play sports. Claire is a junior in high school and is looking to play soccer in college. Ella is a freshman in high school and plays volleyball. Brody is in 6th grade and plays baseball and soccer. Hannah is in 5th grade and plays volleyball.
If you weren't a physician assistant, what would you like to be doing?
If I wasn’t a PA, I would be a college baseball coach/athletic director.
Learn why patients choose Washington University Orthopedics, or call (314) 514-3500 or click here to make an appointment online.