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...

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...

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 diagno...

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 approac...

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 endo...

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...

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....

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 o...

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...

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,...

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,...

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 str...

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, a...

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 manag...

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...

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 th...

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 supporti...

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 d...

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 ma...

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 ant...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Gingivitis , inflammation of the gum tissue most often caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. You’ll learn to recognize signs such as gum redness, swelling, and bleeding, understand contributing factors like poor oral hygiene, hormonal changes, and certain medications, and review prevention and treatment s...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Dental Caries , the progressive demineralization of tooth enamel and dentin caused by acid-producing bacteria. You’ll learn about key risk factors—including poor oral hygiene, high-sugar diets, and xerostomia—along with early and advanced clinical signs. We’ll also cover prevention strategies, from fluoride use a...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Dental Abscess , a localized collection of pus in the tooth or surrounding tissues caused by bacterial infection. You’ll learn to differentiate periapical, periodontal, and pericoronal abscesses, recognize warning signs of spreading infection such as facial swelling and trismus, and review management—from incision...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Deep Neck Infections , including peritonsillar, parapharyngeal, and retropharyngeal space infections. You’ll learn to recognize key symptoms such as fever, neck swelling, trismus, and muffled “hot potato” voice, understand potential complications like airway compromise and mediastinitis, and explore the role of i...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Oral Candidiasis , a fungal infection of the oral mucosa caused by Candida species—most commonly C. albicans . You’ll learn how to recognize classic presentations like white, curd-like plaques that scrape off to reveal an erythematous base, identify risk factors such as immunosuppression and inhaled corticosteroi...