Pro-PA Podcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, dives into Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a gram-negative bacterium strongly linked to gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. You’ll learn about its unique mechanisms for surviving in the stomach’s acidic environment, how it damages the mucosa, and the classic clinical scenarios where testing is warranted. We’ll also cover diagnostic options—such as urea breath test, stool antigen, and biopsy—and review first-line eradication therapies, including triple and quadruple regimens.
#Hpylori #Gastritis #PepticUlcerDisease #GIinfections #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD), a condition characterized by mucosal defects in the stomach or duodenum due to an imbalance of protective and aggressive factors. You’ll learn about common causes—including Helicobacter pylori infection, NSAID use, and hypersecretory states—classic presentations such as epigastric pain related to meals, and complications like bleeding or perforation. We’ll also cover the diagnostic approach, including endoscopy and testing for H. pylori, and evidence-based treatment strategies.
#PUD #PepticUlcerDisease #Hpilori #NSAIDs #UpperGIdisorders #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Gastritis, inflammation of the gastric mucosa that can be acute or chronic. You’ll learn the most common causes—including Helicobacter pylori, NSAID use, alcohol, and stress—along with hallmark symptoms such as epigastric pain, nausea, and bloating. We’ll also cover diagnostic evaluation with endoscopy, biopsy findings, and evidence-based management strategies, from acid suppression to H. pylori eradication therapy.
#Gastritis #Hpilori #NSAIDs #UpperGIdisorders #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Barrett’s Esophagus—a metaplastic change of the distal esophagus caused by chronic GERD—and its progression risk to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma, the most common esophageal cancer in the United States. You’ll learn hallmark features of Barrett’s, how it differs from squamous cell carcinoma, key risk factors such as obesity and reflux, and the role of endoscopic surveillance and biopsy. We’ll also cover diagnostic evaluation and management strategies for adenocarcinoma, including endoscopic resection, surgery, and chemoradiation.
#BarrettsEsophagus #EsophagealAdenocarcinoma #GERDcomplications #UpperGIcancer #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, the most common esophageal cancer worldwide. You’ll learn about its strong associations with tobacco, alcohol, and caustic injury, recognize hallmark symptoms such as progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and odynophagia, and understand diagnostic evaluation with endoscopy and biopsy. We’ll also cover staging, prognosis, and treatment strategies, including surgery, chemoradiation, and palliative care.
#EsophagealCancer #SquamousCellCarcinoma #Dysphagia #UpperGI #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Esophageal Foreign Bodies, a common emergency in pediatrics but also seen in adults. You’ll learn to recognize presenting symptoms such as dysphagia, drooling, chest discomfort, and inability to handle secretions, and understand which ingested objects—like button batteries or sharp items—require urgent removal. We’ll also cover the role of imaging, endoscopic retrieval, and airway precautions in management.
#EsophagealForeignBody #GIemergency #ButtonBattery #Dysphagia #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Esophageal Varices, dilated submucosal veins in the lower esophagus that develop as a complication of portal hypertension. You’ll learn to recognize clinical presentations such as hematemesis and melena, understand the role of cirrhosis and portal venous pressure in their development, and review acute management—including resuscitation, octreotide, and endoscopic band ligation—as well as strategies for secondary prevention.
#EsophagealVarices #PortalHypertension #UpperGIbleed #Cirrhosis #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Hiatal Hernia, a condition in which part of the stomach herniates through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity. You’ll learn the difference between sliding and paraesophageal hernias, recognize their association with GERD and complications like strangulation, and explore diagnostic evaluation with barium swallow and endoscopy. We’ll also cover management—from lifestyle modifications and acid suppression to surgical repair when indicated.
#HiatalHernia #SlidingHernia #ParaesophagealHernia #GERD #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Esophageal Strictures, Webs, and Rings, structural abnormalities that can narrow the esophageal lumen and cause dysphagia. You’ll learn how chronic GERD leads to peptic strictures, how esophageal webs are linked to conditions like Plummer-Vinson syndrome, and how Schatzki rings cause intermittent dysphagia to solids. We’ll also cover hallmark symptoms, key diagnostic tools such as barium swallow and endoscopy, and treatment strategies including dilation and acid suppression.
#EsophagealStricture #SchatzkiRing #EsophagealWeb #Dysphagia #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Neurogenic Dysphagia, Scleroderma Esophagus, and Peptic Esophageal Strictures—three important motility-related conditions that impact swallowing and esophageal function. You’ll learn how neurogenic causes disrupt coordinated swallowing, how systemic sclerosis leads to smooth muscle atrophy and reflux complications, and how chronic acid exposure from GERD contributes to peptic stricture formation. We’ll also cover hallmark presentations, diagnostic tools like manometry and endoscopy, and management strategies tailored to each condition.
#EsophagealMotility #NeurogenicDysphagia #SclerodermaEsophagus #PepticStrictures #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast