In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Appendicitis, one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain requiring surgical intervention. You’ll learn to recognize classic symptom progression from periumbilical pain to right lower quadrant tenderness, understand key exam findings such as McBurney point tenderness and rebound pain, and review diagnostic strategies including labs and CT imaging. We’ll also cover management—ranging from antibiotics in select cases to urgent appendectomy—and discuss complications like perforation and abscess formation. Perfect for PANCE prep and strengthening your acute abdominal decision-making skills.

#Appendicitis #AcuteAbdomen #RightLowerQuadrantPain #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Small Intestine Polyps, uncommon but clinically important lesions that may present with bleeding, anemia, obstruction, or be discovered incidentally. You’ll learn about different polyp types—including adenomatous, hamartomatous, and those associated with hereditary syndromes such as Peutz-Jeghers and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)—along with key diagnostic tools and management strategies. We’ll also discuss surveillance considerations and when referral for genetic evaluation is warranted. Perfect for PANCE prep and strengthening your understanding of small bowel pathology.

#SmallIntestinePolyps #GI101 #PeutzJeghers #FAP #GIpathology #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Food Allergies and Food Sensitivities, helping you distinguish immune-mediated reactions from non-immune food intolerances. You’ll learn the difference between IgE-mediated food allergies—which can cause urticaria, angioedema, or anaphylaxis—and food sensitivities such as lactose intolerance or other non-allergic gastrointestinal responses. We’ll also cover diagnostic approaches, elimination diets, when to refer for allergy testing, and key counseling points for patient safety. Perfect for PANCE prep and strengthening your approach to patients with food-related GI complaints.

#FoodAllergy #FoodSensitivity #GI101 #PrimaryCare #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Lactose Intolerance, a common cause of osmotic diarrhea due to lactase deficiency in the small intestine. You’ll learn how to recognize hallmark symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea after dairy ingestion, understand the difference between primary and secondary lactase deficiency, and review diagnostic options like the hydrogen breath test. We’ll also cover practical management strategies including dietary modification and lactase enzyme supplementation. Perfect for PANCE prep and strengthening your approach to malabsorption and chronic diarrhea.

#LactoseIntolerance #Malabsorption #OsmoticDiarrhea #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion that leads to small intestinal villous atrophy and malabsorption. You’ll learn hallmark features such as chronic diarrhea, weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, and dermatitis herpetiformis, along with key diagnostic testing including tissue transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) antibodies and confirmatory biopsy. We’ll also cover associated autoimmune conditions and the cornerstone of management—a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Perfect for PANCE prep and strengthening your understanding of malabsorptive disorders.

#CeliacDisease #Malabsorption #GlutenFree #Autoimmune #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Paralytic Ileus, a functional obstruction caused by decreased intestinal motility rather than a mechanical blockage. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark features such as abdominal distention, hypoactive or absent bowel sounds, and diffuse dilation of bowel loops on imaging. We’ll also break down common causes—including postoperative states, electrolyte abnormalities, medications, and systemic illness—and review evidence-based management strategies focused on supportive care and correction of underlying factors. Perfect for PANCE prep and strengthening your clinical reasoning when differentiating ileus from true obstruction.

#ParalyticIleus #FunctionalObstruction #AbdominalDistention #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO), a common and potentially serious surgical condition. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, distention, and obstipation, understand the most common causes—including adhesions, hernias, and malignancy—and identify key imaging findings on abdominal X-ray and CT. We’ll also cover initial management strategies, including fluid resuscitation, NG tube decompression, and indications for urgent surgical consultation. Perfect for PANCE prep and strengthening your acute GI decision-making skills.

#SmallBowelObstruction #SBO #GIemergency #AbdominalPain #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of CARDIO101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down Ventricular Tachycardia (VT), a potentially life-threatening wide complex arrhythmia responsible for the majority of cardiac arrest episodes. You’ll learn to recognize key ECG features, differentiate sustained versus nonsustained VT, and distinguish monomorphic from polymorphic patterns. The episode also reviews essential ACLS management—clarifying when to cardiovert, defibrillate, or initiate antiarrhythmic therapy—so you can confidently approach this high-yield ventricular rhythm in both exam settings and real-world clinical practice.

#VentricularTachycardia #VTach #Cardiology #ECG #ACLS #WideComplexTachycardia #PANCEPrep #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of CARDIO101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib), a chaotic and life-threatening arrhythmia that results in immediate loss of cardiac output and sudden cardiac arrest. You’ll learn the hallmark ECG findings—absence of identifiable P waves or QRS complexes—along with the most common causes, including ischemic heart disease. The episode also clarifies the difference between cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death, and walks through high-yield ACLS management: early defibrillation, high-quality CPR, epinephrine, and key post-resuscitation considerations such as ICD placement. Perfect for mastering this must-know shockable rhythm for both exam prep and real-world clinical practice.

#VentricularFibrillation #VFib #CardiacArrest #ACLS #ECG #ShockableRhythm #PANCEPrep #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of CARDIO101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Sinus Bradycardia and Sick Sinus Syndrome, two rhythm disturbances involving the heart’s natural pacemaker. You’ll learn when a slow heart rate is completely normal—such as in athletes or during sleep—and when it signals true sinus node dysfunction. The episode breaks down key ECG findings, symptom correlation (including syncope and fatigue), and clarifies when pacemaker therapy is indicated. Perfect for exam prep and strengthening your understanding of bradyarrhythmias in clinical practice.

#Bradycardia #SickSinusSyndrome #Cardiology #ECG #Dysrhythmias #PANCEPrep #ProPAPodcast