Pro-PA Podcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Zenker Diverticulum, a pharyngoesophageal pouch that develops just above the upper esophageal sphincter. You’ll learn to recognize classic symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation of undigested food, chronic cough, and halitosis. We’ll also cover the pathophysiology behind cricopharyngeal dysfunction, diagnostic approaches including barium swallow, and treatment options like endoscopic or surgical repair.
#ZenkerDiverticulum #Dysphagia #Regurgitation #EsophagealDisorders #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Diffuse Esophageal Spasm (DES), a motility disorder characterized by uncoordinated, non-peristaltic contractions of the esophagus. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark symptoms such as intermittent dysphagia and chest pain that can mimic angina, review diagnostic findings including a “corkscrew” appearance on barium swallow and abnormal manometry patterns, and explore management strategies from lifestyle modification and calcium channel blockers to more advanced interventions.
#DES #DiffuseEsophagealSpasm #EsophagealMotility #CorkscrewEsophagus #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Achalasia, a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and loss of esophageal peristalsis. You’ll learn to recognize key symptoms such as progressive dysphagia to both solids and liquids, regurgitation, and weight loss. We’ll also cover hallmark diagnostic findings—including “bird-beak” appearance on barium swallow and manometry results—and explore treatment options from pneumatic dilation to surgical myotomy.
#Achalasia #EsophagealMotility #BirdBeakSign #Dysphagia #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Mallory-Weiss Tear, a mucosal laceration at the gastroesophageal junction caused by forceful retching, vomiting, or coughing. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark features such as hematemesis following repeated vomiting, understand the pathophysiology behind the tear, and review the diagnostic and management approach—including endoscopy and supportive care.
#MalloryWeissTear #UpperGIbleed #Hematemesis #EsophagealDisorders #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), a chronic condition caused by reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. You’ll learn hallmark symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chronic cough, recognize alarm features that warrant further workup, and explore diagnostic tools from empiric PPI trials to endoscopy. We’ll also cover management strategies, including lifestyle modification, pharmacologic therapy, and surgical options for refractory disease.
#GERD #Heartburn #AcidReflux #EsophagealDisorders #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this first episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, explores Esophagitis, inflammation of the esophageal lining with causes ranging from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and infections to pill-induced injury and eosinophilic disease. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark symptoms like odynophagia and chest pain, differentiate between common etiologies, and review key diagnostic tools such as endoscopy and biopsy. We’ll also cover evidence-based management strategies tailored to each cause.
#GI101 #Esophagitis #GERD #EosinophilicEsophagitis #Odynophagia #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this final episode of the EENT101 series, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, delivers a rapid-fire Flash PANCE Blitz—10 high-yield multiple-choice questions covering essential eye, ear, nose, and throat topics. Test your knowledge, sharpen your recall, and see if you can spot the correct answers before they’re revealed, all while reinforcing key concepts from the entire series. Perfect for last-minute PANCE and PANRE prep.
#EENT101 #FlashPANCE #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ENTbasics #ProPAPodcast

In this capstone episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, takes you through a rapid-fire, high-yield review of the most important eye, ear, nose, and throat topics covered in the series. You’ll revisit hallmark signs, key diagnostic pearls, and must-know treatments—perfect for last-minute PANCE and PANRE prep. This concise wrap-up ties together weeks of learning into one powerful review session.
#EENT101 #HighYieldReview #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ENTbasics #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Leukoplakia, a white patch or plaque on the oral mucosa that cannot be scraped off and is considered a premalignant lesion. You’ll learn about common risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and chronic irritation, how to differentiate it from other white oral lesions, and the importance of biopsy to rule out dysplasia or carcinoma.
#Leukoplakia #OralLesions #Premalignant #OralCancerPrevention #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #EENT101

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Sialadenitis, an infection or inflammation of the salivary glands—most commonly the parotid or submandibular glands. You’ll learn to recognize symptoms such as gland swelling, pain, erythema, and purulent duct drainage, understand common causes including bacterial infection, viral illness, and ductal obstruction, and review management strategies from hydration and sialogogues to antibiotics and ENT referral when needed.
#Sialadenitis #SalivaryGlandInfection #ParotidGland #SubmandibularGland #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #EENT101