Pro-PA Podcast

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...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, explores Uterine Leiomyoma , also known as fibroids—the most common benign tumors of the uterus. We’ll discuss their estrogen-sensitive nature, classic symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), pelvic pressure or pain, and reproductive implications. You’ll also learn how fibroids are diagnosed via pelvic ultrasound an...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down Endometriosis —a chronic, estrogen-dependent condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus. You’ll learn the classic triad of cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility, along with other symptoms like dyspareunia and painful bowel or bladder movements. We’ll also review key physical exam find...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, covers Sexual Trauma in Pregnancy , addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological implications for both patient and provider. We explore how a history of sexual assault can affect a patient’s experience during prenatal visits, labor, and delivery—potentially triggering flashbacks or distress. You’ll learn trauma-informed...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, explores Psychological Trauma in Pregnancy , a critical yet often overlooked aspect of maternal care. We discuss the impacts of intimate partner violence (IPV), adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and perinatal PTSD on both maternal and fetal outcomes. You’ll learn how trauma can influence prenatal behaviors, increase risks for...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, explores Physical Trauma in Pregnancy —a vital topic as trauma is a leading cause of non-obstetric maternal death. We cover common causes such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, and intimate partner violence, and how physiological changes in pregnancy impact trauma response and management. Sharon discusses the importance of the p...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101, host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, walks you through Umbilical Cord Prolapse —a true obstetric emergency that occurs when the umbilical cord slips below the presenting part after membrane rupture. This can lead to fetal bradycardia due to cord compression and compromised oxygenation. Sharon reviews the risk factors (like malpresentation and polyhydramnios), key si...

Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency where the fetal anterior shoulder becomes impacted behind the maternal pubic symphysis after head delivery—often noted by the “turtle sign.” Risk factors include fetal macrosomia, maternal diabetes, and a prior history of shoulder dystocia. First-line management includes the McRoberts maneuver with suprapubic pressure; advanced techniques may be required...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101 , guest host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down the essentials of Rh incompatibility , a potentially serious condition that can affect pregnant individuals and their unborn babies. Learn what happens when an Rh-negative mother is carrying an Rh-positive fetus , how maternal sensitization occurs, and why this can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn in fu...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101 , host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, walks you through Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (PROM) —when the amniotic sac breaks before the onset of labor. We clarify the difference between term PROM and preterm PROM (PPROM) and review the common causes, including infections, cervical insufficiency, and prior preterm birth. You’ll learn the classic presentation (sudden gu...

In this foundational episode of WOMENSHEALTH101 , host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down the critical components of preconception and prenatal care . We discuss the importance of optimizing maternal health before conception—addressing folic acid supplementation, chronic disease management, immunizations, and lifestyle changes. Once pregnancy is confirmed, we review the timeline of prenatal v...

In this milestone 300th episode, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, (Dr. G) shares a heartfelt countdown of the Top 10 truths every PA student should know —from lessons learned in PA school to the wisdom gained through nearly 20 years in medicine. You'll hear personal stories, motivational insights, and practical advice on clinical rotations, board prep, imposter syndrome, and stayi...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101 , guest host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, highlights the spectrum of postpartum psychiatric disorders —from the common “baby blues” to more serious conditions like postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum psychosis . We explore the risk factors (e.g., prior mood disorders, lack of support), clinical presentation, screening tools (like the Edinburgh Postnatal Dep...

In this episode of WOMENSHEALTH101 , guest host Sharon Machner, MPAS, PA-C, dives into postpartum pituitary disorders , focusing on the rare but life-threatening condition known as Sheehan syndrome —postpartum hypopituitarism caused by ischemic necrosis of the pituitary following severe blood loss during or after childbirth. We break down the pathophysiology, clinical signs (like failure to lactat...