Our Dedicated Team of MSA
Advanced Practitioners

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Barrett Chaffin

Barrett Chaffin, NP

Barrett began his nursing career in 1997 after earning his Associate Degree in Nursing and obtaining his RN license. Two years later, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He started his career at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, gaining experience in critical care, cardiovascular surgery, and emergency medicine. In 2005, he earned his Master of Science in Nursing.

For the past 14 years, Barrett has worked alongside Dr. Prince, bringing his expertise and dedication to patient care. He recently completed his education to become a Certified Practitioner through the Institute of Functional Medicine. In addition to his work at MSA Orthopedics, Barrett sees patients at Georgia Functional Medicine, helping individuals uncover the root causes of disease and illness.

Barrett lives in Albany with his wife, Meg, and their two daughters. They attend Grace City Church and enjoy an active family life. In his free time, he loves watching his daughters play soccer, beekeeping, exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

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Mary-Beth Smarra, PA-C

Mary-Beth graduated Magna Cum Laude from King’s College in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. She dedicated the first 16 years of her career to caring for cancer patients in both Radiation and Medical Oncology, working at UPMC in Pennsylvania, Arizona Oncology, and Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Georgia. In 2017, she transitioned into General Surgery and Trauma with Albany Surgical before joining MSA Orthopedics. For the past two years, she has worked alongside Dr. Barnard, specializing in spine surgery.

Mary-Beth lives in Albany with her two children, Gianna and Sully. They attend Grace City Church and enjoy spending time together outdoors. In her free time, she loves scrapbooking family memories, reading, and equestrian show jumping.

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Angela Bullard, FNP-C

Angela began her medical career in Emergency Medical Services in 1993, earning her certification as an Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate from Albany Technical College. She later became a certified Paramedic in 1995 and has maintained her certification ever since. In 2006, she transitioned into nursing, earning her Associate of Science in Nursing from Abraham Baldwin College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thomas University in 2009. She went on to complete her Master of Science in Nursing at South University in 2017, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

With over 25 years in the medical field, Angela’s experience spans emergency medicine, critical care, surgery, nursing education, weight loss, urgent care, and family practice. She is board-certified and currently serves as the Vice President of the Flint River Nurse Practitioners Association. Additionally, she is a National Registered Certified Medical Examiner.

Angela was raised in Albany and now resides in Lee County with her husband, Chris, their son, Kaden, and their three grandchildren, Paisley, Summer, and Mathew. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family, as well as her English Cocker Spaniel, Ariel.

Other Certifications & Affiliations:

Certified Paramedic (EMT-P)
National Registered Certified Medical Examiner (NRCME)
Certified Paramedic (EMT-P)
Vice President, Flint River Nurse Practitioners Association

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Kathy Cooper, FNP-BC

Kathy began her nursing career at Darton College, where she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing and was nominated for the "Outstanding Nursing Student" award at graduation. She later obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Albany State University, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

With over 25 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, Kathy has worked in a variety of specialties, including ophthalmology, gastroenterology, labor and delivery, and public and community health. Over the past 11 years as a Family Nurse Practitioner, she has gained experience in acute care, family practice, pediatrics, school-based health, urology, awellness, and weight loss. In her first year of practice, she was nominated for “Advanced Practice Provider of the Year” by her peers and patients.

Kathy is board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is passionate about patient advocacy, treating each individual like family.

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, working out, interior design, and spending time with family and friends.