Pro-PA Podcast

In this episode of CARDIO101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down Atrioventricular (AV) Blocks , from first-degree conduction delay to complete (third-degree) heart block. You’ll learn to recognize the ECG patterns of first-degree block, Mobitz I (Wenckebach), Mobitz II, and third-degree block, along with key memory anchors to keep them straight on exam day. The episode a...

In this episode of CARDIO101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs) , one of the most common—and usually benign—ECG findings in clinical practice. You’ll learn the key ECG features that distinguish PACs from other atrial dysrhythmias, understand common triggers such as stimulants, stress, and adrenergic excess, and recognize when PACs require t...

In this episode of CARDIO101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) , one of the most common ventricular arrhythmias encountered in clinical practice. You’ll learn hallmark ECG features—including wide QRS complexes without preceding P waves—recognize patterns such as bigeminy and trigeminy, and understand common triggers like stress, ca...

In this episode of CARDIO101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Sinus Arrhythmia , a common and typically benign variation in heart rhythm. You’ll learn how it appears on ECG, understand its relationship to respiration and vagal tone, and confidently distinguish this normal sinus variant from pathologic dysrhythmias. This quick, high-yield episode reinforces key exam concep...

In this episode of CARDIO101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Atrial Flutter , an organized atrial dysrhythmia marked by rapid atrial activity and the classic 2:1 AV block producing a ventricular rate near 150 bpm. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark ECG findings such as sawtooth flutter waves, understand stroke risk and anticoagulation considerations, and review evidence-...

In this episode of CARDIO101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) , one of the most common and clinically significant cardiac dysrhythmias. You’ll learn how to recognize its irregularly irregular rhythm on exam and ECG, understand common triggers and underlying causes, and assess stroke risk using evidence-based tools. The episode also reviews p...

In this episode of DERM101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Minor Burns , helping you confidently assess and manage these common injuries in primary care and urgent care settings. You’ll learn burn classification by depth and extent, practical outpatient treatment strategies, pain control considerations, and clear criteria for referral to a burn center. This high-yield ep...

In this episode of DERM101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Stasis Dermatitis , a common inflammatory skin condition associated with chronic venous insufficiency. You’ll learn the underlying pathophysiology, recognize hallmark clinical features such as erythema, scaling, and hyperpigmentation of the lower extremities, and explore evidence-based management strategies. This...

In this episode of DERM101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Pressure Injuries (formerly known as pressure ulcers), a common and preventable complication in hospitalized and long-term care patients. You’ll learn how to accurately stage these wounds, recognize high-risk patients, and implement evidence-based management strategies. The episode also highlights practical preve...

In this episode of DERM101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, dives into Vitiligo , an autoimmune condition characterized by depigmented macules and patches due to melanocyte destruction. You’ll learn the underlying pathogenesis, recognize classic clinical features, and review evidence-based management strategies tailored for primary care PAs and PA students. This episode also emph...

In this episode of DERM101, guest host Dr. Angelica Urbina, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down Petechiae, Purpura, and Ecchymoses —three common but often confused skin findings seen in primary care. You’ll learn the key differences in size and presentation, understand underlying causes ranging from benign trauma to serious hematologic disorders, and review high-yield clinical pearls to guide your worku...

In this special episode of the Pro-PA Podcast, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, celebrates PA Week 2025 , reflecting on the growth, impact, and future of the Physician Assistant/Physician Associate profession. This episode was recorded in October 2025 during National PA Week and captures timely thoughts, milestones, and encouragement for both current and future PAs. Whether you&#3...

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Gastric Adenocarcinoma , the most common type of stomach cancer worldwide. You’ll learn about key risk factors—including Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, chronic gastritis, and certain dietary exposures—as well as regional differences in incidence. We’ll cover hallmark presentations like unexplained weight l...

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Gastroparesis , a disorder of delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. You’ll learn about hallmark symptoms such as early satiety, postprandial fullness, nausea, vomiting, and bloating, as well as common causes like diabetes, postsurgical changes, and idiopathic cases. We’ll also cover dia...

In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) , a rare disorder caused by gastrin-secreting tumors (gastrinomas) that lead to excessive gastric acid production. You’ll learn how ZES presents with refractory peptic ulcers, chronic diarrhea, and abdominal pain, understand its association with MEN1, and review diagnostic testing s...

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....

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...

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 fi...

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...

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 bio...

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....

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—i...

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...

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 soli...

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...