Dr. Barry Blum has practiced orthopedic surgery in Kona since moving here from Northern California in 1986. He is affiliated with Kona Community Hospital and the Kona Ambulatory Surgery Center. He is one of the founding physicians of Alii Health Center. Dr. Blum received his MD degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; his surgical internship was at the University of Minnesota Hospitals; his residency in Orthopedic Surgery was at Stanford Medical Center and his port-graduate training was at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre/Oxford University in Oxford, England. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons and member of the Western Orthopedic Association. His interests outside of medicine in Kona have included community theatre at the Aloha Performing Arts Company, paddling outrigger canoe with Kai `Opua and ethnic music.

Josh Johnson is a PA who practices in Orthopedics at Ali’i Health Center. Josh completed his undergraduate and masters degrees from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN, graduating from the PA Program at Trevecca Nazarene University in 2010. He graduated with his Doctorate in Ethical Leadership (Ed.D) in 2016 from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL, and was awarded a Dissertation with Distinction for his research, Patient Satisfaction with Care Provided by Physician Assistants in an Orthopedic Clinic.

Josh is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants and a Reviewer for the Journal of the American Academy of PAs. He is also an adjunct instructor in the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Olivet Nazarene University and is a preceptor for PA students in the Kona MEDEX PA program. In 2023, Josh was recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of PAs; a distinction earned by less than 2% PAs. He has privileges at Kona Community Hospital and Ali’i Ambulatory Surgery Center.

A dynamic and highly skilled Physician Assistant, Paulina Plaskon has recently joined the orthopedic team at Alii Health Center in West Hawaii, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and diverse experience. Holding a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies from Wagner College, Staten Island, where she consistently graced the Dean’s List, Paulina is licensed to practice in Hawaii and is also NCCPA certified. Her unique educational background is complemented by a Master of Science in Cosmetic Chemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Magna cum Laude Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from the prestigious University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Paulina’s professional journey paints a vivid picture of her commitment to medical excellence. At the renowned Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, she has held various roles, from assisting Dr. Ernest Sink, the Chief of Hip Preservation Service, in intricate orthopedic surgeries to specializing in pain management. Her experience has been expansive, managing acute to chronic pain patients and delivering comprehensive pre and post-operative care for orthopedic patients. Notably, during the pandemic, she played a crucial role in the treatment of COVID-19 positive patients, both pre and postintubation. Her earlier roles in clinical microbiology at Quest Diagnostics and overseeing operations at Meadowlands Medical Center further underline her multifaceted medical expertise. Beyond her regular roles, Paulina’s clinical training has spanned across various specialties, from Psychiatry at Staten Island University Hospital to Orthopedics at the esteemed Royal Orthopedics Hospital in Birmingham, England. A global citizen at heart, she has also participated in medical mission trips, extending her skills and compassion to communities in Guatemala and Peru. A dedicated member of several professional affiliations, including the Physician Assistant Association and Sigma Xi Biological Research Society, Paulina continuously seeks to enhance her knowledge and contribute to the broader medical community. Her accolades are not limited to the medical field; she was the First Runner-up in the Miss Polonia Pageant in 2007 and is fluent in both English and Polish. Today, as Paulina embarks on her new journey in West Hawaii, Alii Health Center is indeed fortunate to have such a diverse and accomplished professional joining their ranks.

In 2008 graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he earned my Doctor of Medicine and Bachelor of Liberal Arts degrees. He completed my Residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in 2014. From there he went on to the Cincinnati Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Institute where he completed my Fellowship in Sports Medicine in 2015.

His training has given him expertise in a wide range of orthopedic procedure using the latest techniques and technology, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, ligament and tendon repairs, and fracture care. In addition, he has extensive experience with shoulder replacement surgery and revisions (redo procedures for previously failed surgeries), and hip replacement surgery using the anterior approach.

Prior to moving to Kona, he was working in private practice in the Chicago area, where he was awarded by the hospital for providing exemplary compassionate care. I have treated many athletes—from the weekend warrior to collegiate and even the pros. He has experience treating workers with job related injuries, and people with joint pain keeping them from enjoying their hobbies and living their everyday life.

Dr Reddy’s philosophy is to get his patients back in the game or back to their hobbies as quickly and safely as possible, and to ensure all non-surgical options are considered prior to recommending surgery.
Dr Reddy operates locally at Kona Community Hospital and Kona Surgery Center.

Dr Rise obtained his medical degree from the University of Florida in 2004. He then attended The Ohio State University for orthopedic surgery residency followed by orthopedic trauma fellowship training at the University of New Mexico. He is board certified by the ABOS. He specializes in orthopedic trauma and acute care in both children and adults. This includes complex fractures, musculoskeletal injuries, and infections in the arms, legs, and pelvis.

Dr. Scala was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. She earned her BA at Duke University in French and German while completing premedical requirements.  She then earned her medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.  Dr. Scala completed her orthopedic residency at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawai’i and spent an additional year completing a research fellowship. Following this, she returned to Duke University where she completed a one-year fellowship in Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Scala is excited to return to Hawai’i to provide high-quality orthopedic foot and ankle care to the local community.