Pro-PA Podcast

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...

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...