Pro-PA Podcast

Welcome to our 200th episode! Dr. G reflects on her journey through the Doctorate of Medical Science (DMSc) program at the University of Pittsburgh and discusses what it means to earn a doctoral degree as a Physician Associate.

In this special episode, we explore:
✅ Why Dr. G chose the Pitt DMSc: affordable, flexible, 1-year format
🔗 https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/academics/pas/dmsc/

✅ Her collaborative capstone project on sports physicals and its upcoming national and state-level presentations

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✅ A quick overview of PA doctoral degree options and the historical evolution of advanced PA education
✅ A review of the recent JPAE article “The PA Postprofessional Doctorate: Trends and Considerations”
🔗https://journals.lww.com/jaapa/fulltext/2025/05000/the_pa_postprofessional_doctorate.7.aspx

Whether you’re considering a doctorate or just curious about the path, this episode delivers practical insight and firsthand perspective.

🎧 This is the Pro-PA Podcast—where future pros in medicine are made!
Until next time!

In this episode, Dr. G highlights how Vitamin B12 Deficiency affects the nervous system—causing subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, peripheral neuropathy, and even cognitive changes. Learn how to identify this reversible but potentially devastating condition early, distinguish it from other neurologic disorders, and recognize classic signs like paresthesias, ataxia, and a positive Romberg.

💡 Did you know? B12 deficiency can mimic multiple sclerosis and may even cause psychosis, memory loss, or dementia-like symptoms—making it one of the great clinical masqueraders!

#Neuro101 #VitaminB12 #PerniciousAnemia #PANCEReview #ProPAPodcast #NeurologyPearls

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G breaks down Spinal Accessory Nerve Injury—a surprisingly vulnerable cranial nerve injury that can lead to shoulder droop, trapezius weakness, and difficulty elevating the arm. Learn how this motor-only cranial nerve (CN XI) gets injured during procedures like lymph node biopsies or neck dissections, how to test it at the bedside, and why early recognition can prevent long-term disability.

💡 Did you know? The spinal accessory nerve is the most commonly injured iatrogenic cranial nerve due to its superficial course in the posterior triangle of the neck.

#CranialNerves #CNXI #SpinalAccessoryNerve #Neuro101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEReview

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G explores Critical Illness Polyneuropathy (CIP)—a frequently overlooked yet significant cause of ICU-acquired weakness. We’ll cover the pathophysiology behind this diffuse axonal neuropathy, often seen in patients with sepsis, multiorgan failure, or prolonged mechanical ventilation. Learn how to distinguish CIP from myopathy, the red flags to recognize early, and why prevention is rooted in tight glycemic control and minimizing sedation.

💡 Did you know? CIP is a major reason some intubated patients can’t wean off the ventilator—even after their lungs recover!

#NeuroCriticalCare #ICUWeakness #CIP #Neuro101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEReview

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G breaks down Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy—the most common complication of long-standing diabetes. Understand how chronic hyperglycemia leads to nerve ischemia and damage, particularly affecting the distal symmetric sensory nerves. We’ll review clinical presentations like stocking-glove distribution, loss of vibration/proprioception, and pain or paresthesias, along with diagnostic strategies and evidence-based treatments.

💡 Did you know? The 10g monofilament test is not just for boards—it’s a real-world lifesaver in diabetic foot exams!

#Neuropathy #DiabetesComplications #Neuro101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEReview

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G explores Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)—a chronic pain condition that goes beyond the boundaries of typical injury. Learn the difference between Type I (no confirmed nerve injury) and Type II (with confirmed nerve injury), as well as hallmark features like allodynia, temperature or color changes, and swelling. We cover diagnostic criteria, imaging findings, and both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options.

💡 Did you know? The Budapest Criteria are key in diagnosing CRPS—memorize those four domains (sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor/edema, and motor/trophic) for your exams!

#CRPS #ChronicPain #Neuro101 #PANCEPrep #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G covers Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the most common entrapment neuropathy affecting the median nerve at the wrist. Learn the hallmark signs like thenar atrophy, paresthesias in the first three fingers, and nighttime symptoms, along with provocative tests like Phalen’s and Tinel’s. We’ll also break down treatment—from wrist splinting to steroid injections and surgical release.

💡 Did you know? Pregnancy, diabetes, and repetitive wrist movements are common contributors to carpal tunnel symptoms—don’t forget to take a thorough history!

#CarpalTunnel #MedianNerve #WristPain #Neuro101 #PANCEPrep #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G unpacks Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)—an acute, immune-mediated polyneuropathy classically presenting with ascending symmetric weakness, areflexia, and possible autonomic instability. We’ll break down post-infectious triggers (like Campylobacter jejuni), CSF findings of albuminocytologic dissociation, and key management strategies including IVIG and plasmapheresis.

💡 Did you know? Respiratory failure is the leading cause of death in GBS, so always assess vital capacity early and frequently!

#GuillainBarre #Neuro101 #PANCEPrep #PAstudents #AscendingWeakness #ProPAPodcast

In this episode, Dr. G dives into Myasthenia Gravis (MG)—an autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorder characterized by fatigable muscle weakness, ptosis, and diplopia. Learn how antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (or less commonly MuSK) disrupt normal transmission, and understand the role of the edrophonium (Tensilon) test, ice pack test, and EMG in diagnosis. Treatment pearls include pyridostigmine, immunosuppressants, and thymectomy when appropriate.

💡 Did you know? Up to 15% of patients with MG have a thymoma, and many experience symptom exacerbation during infection or after certain medications (like aminoglycosides).

#MyastheniaGravis #Neuro101 #PAstudents #PANCEPrep #FatigableWeakness #ProPAPodcast

In this episode, Dr. G explores Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)—a relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. Discover hallmark signs like fasciculations, spasticity, hyperreflexia, dysarthria, and progressive muscle weakness, while learning the difference between ALS and mimics like MS or cervical myelopathy. We'll also highlight the limited but important role of riluzole and edaravone in treatment.

💡 Did you know? ALS is sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the baseball player who was famously diagnosed with it in the 1930s.

#ALS #LouGehrigsDisease #Neuro101 #PANCEPrep #PAStudents #UpperMotorNeuron #LowerMotorNeuron #ProPAPodcast