Pro-PA Podcast

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, dives into Entropion , a condition where the eyelid—typically the lower lid—rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. We’ll discuss the underlying causes such as age-related degeneration, scarring, or spasm of the orbicularis muscle. You’ll learn to recognize key symptoms like foreign body sensation,...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, explains Ectropion , an eyelid disorder where the lower lid turns outward, exposing the conjunctiva. We review the causes—ranging from age-related tissue laxity to facial nerve palsy and post-trauma changes—and walk through the classic signs and symptoms like excessive tearing, eye irritation, and redness. You’ll learn w...

In this EENT101 episode, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales covers the classic Hordeolum —also known as a stye. You’ll learn to identify the hallmark presentation: a painful, red, swollen bump along the eyelid margin. We’ll differentiate between external (gland of Zeis) and internal (meibomian gland) types, discuss common pathogens like Staph aureus , and review evidence-based management including war...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales breaks down the essentials of a Chalazion , a painless, chronic granulomatous inflammation of the meibomian gland. Learn how it differs from a hordeolum (stye), what causes it, and how to manage it conservatively with warm compresses and eyelid hygiene. We’ll also discuss when to refer for incision and curettage or steroid injection—espec...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales discusses Blepharitis , a common and often chronic eyelid inflammation seen in primary care and ophthalmology settings. Learn how anterior (Staph or seborrheic) and posterior (meibomian gland dysfunction) subtypes present with symptoms like eyelid irritation, crusting, burning, and red eyes. We cover diagnosis based on clinical exam and t...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales reviews Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca , also known as dry eye syndrome. We discuss the common causes—including aging, autoimmune conditions like Sjögren syndrome, and environmental factors—and how decreased tear production or increased evaporation leads to ocular discomfort. Tune in to learn about hallmark symptoms like foreign body sensatio...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales explains Dacryostenosis , or nasolacrimal duct obstruction—most commonly seen in infants. You’ll learn how to recognize the classic signs of persistent tearing and mucoid discharge without conjunctival injection. We also cover the first-line management with lacrimal sac massage, the role of warm compresses, and when to refer for surgical...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales breaks down Dacryocystitis , an infection of the lacrimal sac typically caused by obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. You’ll learn how this condition presents—classically with pain, redness, swelling, and purulent discharge near the medial canthus—and which organisms are most common ( Staph aureus , Strep pneumo ). We also review treatm...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales reviews Dacryoadenitis , an inflammation of the lacrimal gland that presents with pain, swelling, and erythema of the upper outer eyelid. Learn to recognize the key difference between acute (often bacterial or viral) vs chronic (typically inflammatory or systemic) cases. We’ll talk about common pathogens like Staph aureus and EBV , how to...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales breaks down Uveitis , an intraocular inflammation that can involve the anterior, intermediate, posterior, or entire uveal tract. We’ll cover key causes—including autoimmune conditions, infections, and trauma—and walk you through classic symptoms like eye pain, photophobia, blurry vision, and a “cell and flare” appearance on slit-lamp exam...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales dives into Scleritis , a serious and often painful inflammation of the sclera that is commonly associated with systemic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. We’ll walk through how to distinguish it from episcleritis, highlight the hallmark symptoms of deep, boring eye pain, and discuss complications like vision loss and scleral...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales unpacks Iritis , also known as anterior uveitis—the inflammation of the iris that can cause significant eye pain and photophobia. Learn how to distinguish it from other causes of red eye, like conjunctivitis or angle-closure glaucoma, by key features such as consensual photophobia and ciliary flush. We’ll also highlight systemic associati...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales walks you through Pterygium , the classic "surfer’s eye" that extends onto the cornea from the conjunctiva. We’ll review its risk factors—like UV light exposure, wind, and dust—and discuss how to distinguish it from a pinguecula. You’ll learn hallmark clinical features, when conservative management is appropriate, and when surgi...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down keratitis , an inflammation of the cornea that can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. We review infectious (bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic) and noninfectious causes, with special emphasis on herpes simplex keratitis and contact lens-related bacterial infections . You'll learn how to iden...

In this episode of the EENT101 series, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews corneal ulcers , a vision-threatening infection of the corneal stroma. Learn how to spot this urgent ophthalmologic condition with symptoms like eye pain, photophobia, tearing, foreign body sensation, and corneal opacity on slit-lamp exam. We’ll cover risk factors like contact lens misuse, trauma, and...

In this episode of the EENT101 series, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews cataracts —the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide. We break down the gradual, painless vision loss associated with lens opacification and the classic complaints like blurry vision, glare with lights, and seeing halos. You’ll learn key risk factors (aging, diabetes, steroids, UV exposure),...

In this episode of the EENT101 series, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, unpacks allergic conjunctivitis —the classic itchy, watery red eye seen in response to allergens. We’ll walk through key clinical clues like bilateral involvement, cobblestoning of the tarsal conjunctiva, and accompanying allergic symptoms. Learn to differentiate it from bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, and...

In this episode of the EENT101 series, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down bacterial conjunctivitis —the most common form of infectious conjunctivitis in children. Learn how to identify hallmark features like purulent discharge, eyelid crusting, and absence of itching. We’ll walk through high-yield bugs like Staph aureus , Strep pneumo , and H. flu , and discuss treatment...

In this episode of the EENT101 series, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down viral conjunctivitis , the most common and contagious form of "pink eye." You'll learn how to recognize the classic triad of symptoms—watery discharge, burning, and gritty sensation—often paired with recent URI or pharyngitis. We review key physical exam findings like preauricular lym...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down Vaginitis , the most common gynecologic complaint in primary care. Sharon reviews the three main infectious causes—bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis—highlighting their classic presentations, discharge characteristics, and diagnostic findings. You’ll also learn when to suspect non-i...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, walks you through Rectocele , a type of posterior vaginal wall prolapse where the rectum bulges into the vaginal canal due to weakened rectovaginal fascia. Sharon highlights common causes such as childbirth trauma, chronic constipation, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Symptoms may include a sensation of vaginal fullness, difficulty...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, explores Vaginal and Vulvar Prolapse , conditions where pelvic structures such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum descend into or outside the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor support. Sharon reviews key types—including uterine prolapse, vaginal vault prolapse (post-hysterectomy), and rectocele—and highlights common sympt...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, covers Cystocele , a type of pelvic organ prolapse where the bladder bulges into the anterior vaginal wall due to weakened pelvic support. Sharon explains risk factors such as vaginal childbirth, aging, obesity, and chronic straining, as well as symptoms like pelvic pressure, urinary incontinence or retention, and a visible or pa...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Bartholin Gland Cysts and Abscesses , a common cause of vulvar swelling and discomfort. You’ll learn about the pathophysiology—blockage of the Bartholin duct leading to cyst formation, and secondary infection resulting in an abscess. We review typical presentation (unilateral mass, tenderness, pain with sitting or inter...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, covers Uterine Prolapse , a condition where the uterus descends into or beyond the vaginal canal due to weakening of pelvic floor support. We’ll review risk factors like vaginal childbirth, chronic straining, and advancing age. Sharon explains the grading system, common symptoms (pelvic pressure, vaginal bulge, urinary issues), a...