Pro-PA Podcast

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...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Aphthous Ulcers , also known as canker sores—painful, shallow lesions of the oral mucosa with an erythematous halo. You’ll learn about potential triggers including stress, nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune conditions, differentiate them from other oral lesions, and review management strategies to reduce pai...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Angioedema , a localized, non-pitting swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and mucosa that can affect the face, lips, tongue, and airway. You’ll learn to distinguish between histamine-mediated and bradykinin-mediated causes, recognize signs of airway compromise, and explore acute management—from epinephrine...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Sinusitis , inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that may be acute, subacute, or chronic. You’ll learn how to differentiate viral from bacterial causes, recognize key symptoms such as facial pain, purulent nasal discharge, and congestion, and review evidence-based management—including when antibiotics are indicat...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Rhinitis , inflammation of the nasal mucosa that can be allergic, nonallergic, or infectious in origin. You’ll learn to differentiate between these subtypes based on history and exam findings, identify common triggers, and explore treatment strategies ranging from allergen avoidance and antihistamines to intranas...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Nasal Polyps , benign inflammatory growths of the nasal mucosa often associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. You’ll learn how to recognize their characteristic pale, edematous appearance, understand underlying pathophysiology, and review management options in...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Epistaxis , one of the most common ENT emergencies. You’ll learn to differentiate anterior from posterior nosebleeds, identify common causes such as trauma, dry air, or hypertension, and review stepwise management—from direct pressure and topical vasoconstrictors to cautery and packing. We’ll also cover red flags...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Malignant Neoplasms of the head and neck, including squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, and salivary gland malignancies. You’ll learn common risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, hallmark signs like persistent hoarseness or non-healing oral lesions, and the essentials of diagnosis, staging, and multidiscipl...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Benign Neoplasms of the head and neck, including common lesions such as papillomas, hemangiomas, and pleomorphic adenomas. You’ll learn to recognize typical presentations, understand the diagnostic approach, and explore management strategies—from observation to surgical excision—while keeping in mind the importan...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Hyphema , the presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye—most often caused by blunt ocular trauma. You’ll learn how to recognize key signs, understand grading and potential complications such as increased intraocular pressure, and review initial management, including activity restriction, protective shie...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Globe Rupture , a vision-threatening ocular emergency caused by blunt or penetrating trauma to the eye. You’ll learn to recognize red flags such as a teardrop-shaped pupil, extrusion of ocular contents, or a positive Seidel sign, understand why manipulation of the eye must be avoided, and explore urgent managemen...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Corneal Abrasions , superficial scratches to the corneal epithelium often caused by trauma, foreign bodies, or contact lens use. You’ll learn hallmark symptoms such as acute eye pain, tearing, photophobia, and foreign body sensation, understand how to confirm the diagnosis with fluorescein staining, and review man...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Blowout Fractures , orbital floor fractures typically caused by blunt trauma to the eye. You’ll learn to recognize key signs such as diplopia with upward gaze, infraorbital numbness, and enophthalmos, understand the role of CT imaging in diagnosis, and explore initial management—including avoiding nose blowing an...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Barotrauma of the Ear , an injury caused by pressure changes that disrupt the normal function of the middle ear. You’ll learn how activities like flying, scuba diving, or rapid altitude shifts can lead to symptoms such as ear pain, hearing changes, and tinnitus. We’ll also review prevention strategies, initial man...