Austin L. Dages, PA-C

Austin is a dedicated physician assistant with extensive experience in spine surgery and neurosurgery (brain surgery) before transitioning to interventional pain medicine. He is originally from the Nashville, Tennesse area with a diverse background practicing in Alabama, Oregon, and Kenya (West Africa) before relocating to North Carolina in 2023. He trained under a leading spine surgeon involved in groundbreaking clinical trials for innovative spine surgery and interventional (minor procedure) treatment options.

Passionate about patient education, Austin excels at breaking down complex pain conditions into clear, understandable concepts, empowering patients to make well-informed decisions about their care. He deeply values the patient-provider relationship, fostering trust and open communication. Committed to a comprehensive approach, he helps patients understand the long-term prognosis of their condition, setting realistic expectations for the future, and mentally prepare for potential surgical intervention when necessary—ensuring they feel confident in their decisions every step of the way. Aims to avoid surgery if possible in the case of severe spine and orthopedic joint pathology, although when needed, has direct access to highly esteemed local surgeons for quick emergent consultations.

A graduate of a rural osteopathic medicine physician assistant program, he embraces a holistic approach to pain management, addressing psychosocial factors and advocating for alternative Western medicine therapies.

His mission is to empower patients with knowledge, resources, and full spectrum of treatment options—guiding them from the onset of acute symptoms to complex cases requiring surgical consideration or collaboration across multiple specialties to uncover the root of atypical symptom presentations. Austin is dedicated to supporting patients on their journey, helping them take control of their health and live life as fully and abundantly as possible.

*If you have hearing impairments or find it challenging to retain moderate-to-large amounts of information in a short period, we encourage you to bring a companion or family member to help you get the most out of our initial visit. Regardless, Austin is committed to creating a treatment plan at a pace that works best for you, ensuring a supportive and personalized approach to your care.

Outside of work, Austin enjoys spending time with his wife and young child. He has a passion for learning about different cultures, with particular investment in West and East Africa. His hobbies include functional fitness, calisthenics, self-defense arts, and playing music. He is an avid reader, with interests spanning C.S. Lewis, F.C. Yee, social equality, metacognition, life optimization, child neurodevelopment, and quantum physics..