UTHSC PA Program Podcast

Kristopher Maday, PA-C, DFAAPA

This is a FREE podcast for PA students.....by PA students from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center PA Program. It is designed to help anyone quickly review topics from the PANCE, End of Rotation Exams, and End of Curriculum Exams.

  1. 6h ago

    Pulmonology - Sarcoidosis

    In this episode, we review sarcoidosis, a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas that can affect multiple organ systems, most commonly the lungs. We discuss important risk factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental and occupational exposures, and possible immune-mediated mechanisms, along with the classic presentation of dyspnea, persistent cough, fatigue, chest discomfort, erythema nodosum, ocular inflammation, and lymphadenopathy. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing chest radiography demonstrating bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, CT imaging, tissue biopsy revealing noncaseating granulomas, and supportive laboratory findings such as elevated ACE levels and hypercalcemia, along with treatment strategies involving systemic corticosteroids and steroid-sparing immunosuppressive medications such as methotrexate when indicated. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of recognizing sarcoidosis as a multisystem disease, identifying pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations, understanding the role of tissue biopsy in establishing the diagnosis, and monitoring for complications such as pulmonary hypertension, respiratory failure, and cardiac involvement. References Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817 Cooper D, Suau S. Sarcoidosis . Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America . 2021;40(1):149-157 Sarcoidosis. In: Papadakis MA, Rabow MW, McQuaid KR. eds. Quick Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2026. McGraw Hill; 2027. Accessed March 13, 2026 Gerke AK. Sarcoidosis. In: Longo DL, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Jameson J, Loscalzo J, Holland SM, Langford CA. eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 22nd Edition. McGraw Hill; 2025. Accessed March 16, 2026.

  2. 6h ago

    Pulmonology - Pertussis

    In this episode, we review pertussis (whooping cough), a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, transmitted through respiratory droplets and particularly concerning in young children and unimmunized individuals. We discuss the characteristic progression through the catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent stages, emphasizing the classic presentation of prolonged coughing spells, inspiratory whooping, post-tussive vomiting, and episodes of cyanosis. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, highlighting nasopharyngeal PCR testing, bacterial culture, and characteristic lymphocytosis, along with treatment strategies involving macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin, supportive care, and appropriate prophylaxis for close contacts. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of recognizing the three stages of infection, identifying potentially serious complications such as cough syncope, rib fractures, and subconjunctival hemorrhage, and preventing transmission through routine immunization, booster vaccinations, and timely treatment. References Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817 Johnson KA, Bainbridge ED. Bordetella Pertussis Infection (Whooping Cough). In: Papadakis MA, Rabow MW, McQuaid KR, Nadler PL, Price E. eds. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2026. McGraw-Hill; 2026. Accessed March 13, 2026. ElSherif MS, Halperin SA. Pertussis and Other Bordetella Infections. In: Longo DL, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Jameson J, Loscalzo J, Holland SM, Langford CA. eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 22nd Edition. McGraw-Hil 2025. Accessed March 13, 2026 Pertussis, Bordetella. In: Papadakis MA, Rabow MW, McQuaid KR. eds. Quick Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2026. McGraw Hill; 2027. Accessed March 16, 2026.

  3. 6h ago

    Pulmonology - Influenza

    In this episode, we review influenza, a highly contagious viral respiratory infection caused primarily by influenza A and B viruses, transmitted through respiratory droplets and capable of producing significant seasonal outbreaks. We discuss important risk factors for severe illness, including young children, older adults, pregnancy, immunosuppression, and underlying chronic medical conditions, along with the classic presentation of abrupt fever, chills, myalgias, fatigue, headache, cough, sore throat, and rhinorrhea. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing clinical recognition, rapid influenza diagnostic testing, and molecular testing with PCR, along with treatment strategies involving supportive care, hydration, fever management, and antiviral therapy with oseltamivir, particularly when initiated early in the course of illness. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of annual influenza vaccination, recognizing patients at increased risk for severe complications, initiating timely antiviral treatment, and monitoring for complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, myositis, encephalitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. References Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817 Neuzil KM. Influenza. In: Longo DL, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Jameson J, Loscalzo J, Holland SM, Langford CA. eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 22nd Edition. McGraw-Hill; 2025. Accessed March 11, 2026. Clinical practice guidelines for influenza. World Health Organization; 2024 Influenza, Seasonal. In: Papadakis MA, Rabow MW, McQuaid KR. eds. Quick Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2026. McGraw Hill; 2027. Accessed March 16, 2026

  4. 6h ago

    Pulmonology - Epiglottitis

    In this episode, we review acute epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening upper airway emergency characterized by rapid inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which can progress to complete airway obstruction. We discuss important causes and risk factors, including bacterial infections such as Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), incomplete childhood immunization, and immunocompromising conditions, along with the classic presentation of severe sore throat, odynophagia, fever, drooling, muffled voice, inspiratory stridor, and tripod positioning. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing clinical recognition, the characteristic thumb sign on lateral neck radiography, and the importance of avoiding unnecessary airway manipulation, along with treatment strategies involving urgent airway management, intravenous antibiotics, corticosteroids, and endotracheal intubation when indicated. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of recognizing epiglottitis as a medical emergency, distinguishing it from croup, understanding the protective role of Hib vaccination, and preventing catastrophic complications such as respiratory arrest, sepsis, and cardiac arrest. References Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817 Epiglottitis. In: Papadakis MA, Rabow MW, McQuaid KR. eds. Quick Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2026. McGraw-Hill; 2027. Accessed March 06, 2026. Klein MR. Infections of the Oropharynx. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2019;37(1):69-80. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2018.09.002 Amdur RL, Linder JA. Upper Respiratory Symptoms, Including Earache, Sinus Symptoms, and Sore Throat. In: Longo DL, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Jameson J, Loscalzo J, Holland SM, Langford CA. eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 22nd Edition. McGraw Hill; 2025. Accessed March 16, 2026.

  5. 6h ago

    Pulmonology - Croup

    In this episode, we review croup (laryngotracheobronchitis), a common pediatric respiratory illness characterized by inflammation and edema of the upper airway, most frequently caused by the parainfluenza virus. We discuss important risk factors, particularly in children between 6 and 36 months of age, along with the classic presentation of barking cough, inspiratory stridor, hoarseness, and respiratory symptoms that typically worsen at night. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing clinical recognition, the Westley croup score for assessing disease severity, and the characteristic steeple sign on neck radiography when imaging is indicated, along with treatment strategies involving dexamethasone, nebulized epinephrine for moderate-to-severe disease, and supportive care. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of recognizing red flags such as stridor at rest, increased work of breathing, significant retractions, and altered mental status, distinguishing mild self-limited disease from impending respiratory failure, and initiating timely treatment to prevent serious airway complications. References Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817 Peters S. Croup. JAAPA. 2024; 37 (4): 45-46. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0001007380.81031.21. Upper Respiratory Tract Infections. In: Chin-Hong P, Joyce EA, Karandikar M, Matloubian M, Rubio L, Schwartz BS, Levinson W. eds. Levinson's Review of Medical Microbiology & Immunology: A Guide to Clinical Infectious Diseases, 19th Edition. McGraw-Hill; 2026. Accessed March 11, 2026 Crowe, Jr. JE. Common Viral Respiratory Infections, Other Than COVID-19. In: Longo DL, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Jameson J, Loscalzo J, Holland SM, Langford CA. eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 22nd Edition. McGraw Hill; 2025. Accessed March 16, 2026.

  6. 6h ago

    Pulmonology - Single Pulmonary Nodule

    In this episode, we review solitary pulmonary nodules, defined as isolated lung lesions measuring less than 3 cm in diameter that may represent benign granulomas, infections, inflammatory conditions, or early lung malignancy. We discuss important risk factors, including cigarette smoking, advanced age, prior malignancy, occupational exposures, and a history of fungal or tuberculosis infections, along with the often asymptomatic presentation and incidental discovery on chest imaging. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing chest CT imaging, PET scans, serial imaging surveillance, and biopsy when indicated, along with the application of Fleischner Society guidelines to guide management decisions and determine when surgical excision may be necessary. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of nodule size, growth rate, and smoking history in assessing malignancy risk, recognizing that nodules stable for two years are generally benign, and utilizing evidence-based surveillance strategies to minimize unnecessary invasive procedures while ensuring early detection of lung cancer. References Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817 Callister MEJ, Silvestri GA. Pulmonary nodules. N Engl J Med. 2026. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp2515063 Langan RC, Goodbred AJ. Pulmonary Nodules: Common Questions and Answers. Am Fam Physician. 2023 Mar;107(3):282-291. PMID: 36920823. Wyker A, Sharma S, Henderson WW. Solitary Pulmonary Nodule. [Updated 2024 Aug 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556143/

  7. 6h ago

    Pulmonology - Occupational and Environmental Lung Disorders

    In this episode, we review environmental and occupational lung disorders, a group of respiratory diseases caused by repeated exposure to harmful airborne substances that can produce chronic inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis, and hypersensitivity reactions. We discuss important risk factors, including asbestos exposure, silica dust, mining, construction, farming, and environmental mold, along with the common presentation of chronic cough, progressive dyspnea, wheezing, fatigue, and chest tightness. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing a thorough occupational and environmental exposure history, pulmonary function testing, chest CT imaging, and biopsy when indicated, along with treatment strategies involving removal from harmful exposures, corticosteroids for selected inflammatory conditions, supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lung transplantation in advanced disease. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of obtaining a detailed occupational history, recognizing preventable workplace exposures, implementing appropriate personal protective equipment and safety measures, and identifying complications such as pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pulmonary hypertension. References Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817 Jumat MI, Hayati F, Syed Abdul Rahim SS, Saupin S, Awang Lukman K, Jeffree MS, Lasimbang HB, Kadir F. Occupational lung disease: A narrative review of lung conditions from the workplace. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2021 Mar 23;64:102245. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102245. PMID: 33854771; PMCID: PMC8027683 Howlett P, Szram J, Feary J. Occupational lung disease: what the general physician needs to know. Clin Med (Lond). 2025;25(3):100305. doi:10.1016/j.clinme.2025.100305 Eckhardt CM, Wu H. Environmental Exposures and Lung Aging: Molecular Mechanisms and Implications for Improving Respiratory Health. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2021 Dec;8(4):281-293. doi: 10.1007/s40572-021-00328-2. PMID: 34735706; PMCID: PMC8567983

  8. 6h ago

    Pulmonology - Fungal Pneumonia

    In this episode, we review fungal pneumonia, a pulmonary infection caused by inhalation of fungal spores, including Histoplasma, Coccidioides, Blastomyces, Aspergillus, and Pneumocystis jirovecii. We discuss important risk factors, including immunosuppression, HIV/AIDS, chronic corticosteroid use, underlying lung disease, and environmental exposures, along with the classic presentation of fever, cough, dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, fatigue, and occasionally hemoptysis. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing chest radiography, CT imaging, fungal cultures, antigen testing, serologic studies, and bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, along with treatment strategies involving azole antifungals for selected mild infections, amphotericin B for severe disease, and supportive respiratory care. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of considering fungal infections in immunocompromised patients with nonresolving pneumonia, recognizing the significance of geographic and environmental exposure history, and utilizing early imaging and fungal antigen testing to identify infections before serious complications such as respiratory failure or disseminated disease develop. References Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817 Fortún J. Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to fungal pneumonia in the critically ill patient. Rev Esp Quimioter. 2022 Apr;35 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):97-103. doi: 10.37201/req/s01.21.2022. Epub 2022 Apr 22. PMID: 35488836; PMCID: PMC9106206. Azar M., A Diagnostic Approach to Fungal Pneumonia, CHEST, 2023; 165, 559-572

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About

This is a FREE podcast for PA students.....by PA students from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center PA Program. It is designed to help anyone quickly review topics from the PANCE, End of Rotation Exams, and End of Curriculum Exams.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristopher Maday, PA-C, DFAAPA
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    147
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    UTHSC PA Program Podcast