Pro-PA Podcast

In this milestone 400th episode, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, has a little fun with medicine—breaking down 10 “patients” straight from movies, TV, and other corners of pop culture. You’ll hear her take on what their likely diagnoses would be, how she’d work them up, and the treatment plans she’d recommend if they showed up in clinic. From beloved heroes to notorious villains, this special episode blends clinical reasoning with entertainment in a way only the Pro-PA Podcast can.
#PopCulturePatients #MedicalFun #DiagnosisAndTreatment #PAstudent #PANCEprep #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Sialolithiasis, the formation of salivary stones—most commonly in the submandibular gland—that can obstruct salivary flow. You’ll learn how to recognize hallmark symptoms such as postprandial gland swelling and pain, understand diagnostic approaches including physical exam and imaging, and explore management strategies from hydration and gland massage to sialogogues and stone removal.
#Sialolithiasis #SalivaryStones #SubmandibularGland #OralHealth #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #EENT101

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Parotitis, inflammation of the parotid gland that can be infectious, inflammatory, or obstructive in nature. You’ll learn to recognize features such as gland swelling, pain (especially with chewing), and purulent duct drainage, distinguish between bacterial, viral (including mumps), and noninfectious causes, and review management strategies ranging from hydration and massage to antibiotics or surgical intervention when needed.
#Parotitis #ParotidGland #SalivaryGlandDisorders #ENTbasics #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #EENT101

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Diphtheria, a rare but serious infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark findings such as sore throat, low-grade fever, and the characteristic gray pseudomembrane over the tonsils and pharynx, understand the systemic risks from diphtheria toxin, and explore urgent management—including antitoxin administration, antibiotics, and isolation precautions.
#Diphtheria #Pseudomembrane #Corynebacterium #ENTemergency #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #EENT101

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Gonococcal Pharyngitis, an oropharyngeal infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. You’ll learn about common presentations—including sore throat, exudative pharyngitis, and cervical lymphadenopathy—along with asymptomatic cases often identified through screening in high-risk populations. We’ll review diagnostic testing with NAAT, CDC-recommended antibiotic regimens, and partner notification and treatment.
#GonococcalPharyngitis #STI #NeisseriaGonorrhoeae #SexualHealth #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #EENT101

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Infectious Mononucleosis, most often caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). You’ll learn to recognize hallmark features such as fever, pharyngitis, posterior cervical lymphadenopathy, and fatigue, understand the role of heterophile antibody testing, and review management—including activity restrictions to reduce the risk of splenic rupture.
#Mononucleosis #EBV #SoreThroat #Lymphadenopathy #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #EENT101

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Viral Pharyngitis, the most common cause of sore throat, often due to adenovirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus, or influenza. You’ll learn how to differentiate viral from bacterial causes based on history and exam findings, recognize associated symptoms like cough, conjunctivitis, or rhinorrhea, and review supportive care strategies to relieve discomfort and speed recovery.
#ViralPharyngitis #SoreThroat #ENTBasics #UpperRespiratoryInfection #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #EENT101

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Pharyngitis, a bacterial infection of the oropharynx caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. You’ll learn to recognize classic features such as sudden-onset sore throat, fever, tonsillar exudates, and tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, apply the Centor/McIsaac criteria, and review diagnostic testing and first-line antibiotic therapy to prevent complications like rheumatic fever.
#GroupAStrep #StrepThroat #CentorCriteria #Pharyngitis #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #EENT101

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Peritonsillar Abscess, the most common deep neck infection, typically arising as a complication of tonsillitis. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark signs such as severe unilateral sore throat, “hot potato” voice, trismus, and uvular deviation, understand the role of imaging in uncertain cases, and review urgent management—including drainage, antibiotics, and airway monitoring.
#PeritonsillarAbscess #TonsillitisComplication #HotPotatoVoice #ENTemergency #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #EENT101

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Laryngitis, inflammation of the larynx often presenting with hoarseness, voice loss, and throat discomfort. You’ll learn about common viral and bacterial causes, noninfectious triggers like vocal strain and irritant exposure, and key management strategies—including voice rest, hydration, and when to consider antibiotics or ENT referral for persistent symptoms.
#Laryngitis #Hoarseness #VoiceLoss #ENTBasics #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #EENT101