UTHSC PA Program Podcast

Kristopher Maday, PA-C, DFAAPA
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Education

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. Oct 15

    HEENT - Leukoplakia

    In this episode, we review oral leukoplakia, a potentially malignant disorder characterized by persistent white patches or plaques of the oral mucosa that cannot be attributed to another identifiable condition. We discuss important risk factors, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, chronic mucosal irritation, and immunosuppression, along with the clinical differences between homogeneous and nonhomogeneous lesions and their associated risks of malignant transformation. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing oral examination, tissue biopsy, and histologic evaluation for epithelial dysplasia, along with treatment strategies involving risk factor modification, surgical or laser excision, and long-term clinical surveillance. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the increased malignancy risk associated with red-and-white lesions (erythroleukoplakia), the potential for recurrence following surgical removal, and the importance of evaluating persistent lesions to prevent progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma. 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 Gates, J. C., et al. (2025). Clinical Management Update of Oral Leukoplakia: A Review From the American Head and Neck Society Cancer Prevention Service. Head & Neck, 47(2), 733-741. Mohammed, F., & Fairozekhan, A. T. (2023). Oral Leukoplakia. StatPearls [Internet]. Kerr, A. R., & Lodi, G. (2021). Management of oral potentially malignant disorders. Oral Dis, 27(8), 2008.

  2. Oct 15

    HEENT - Sinusitis

    In this episode, we review sinusitis (rhinosinusitis), a common inflammatory condition of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, often associated with impaired sinus drainage and mucociliary dysfunction. We discuss important risk factors, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, smoking, immunodeficiency, and structural abnormalities, along with the classic presentation of purulent nasal drainage, nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, and decreased sense of smell. The segment also covers the differences between acute, subacute, chronic, and recurrent rhinosinusitis, emphasizing the diagnostic importance of symptoms persisting beyond 10 days or worsening after initial improvement, along with treatment strategies involving saline irrigation, intranasal corticosteroids, amoxicillin-clavulanate for acute bacterial infections, and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for refractory disease. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, recognizing orbital or intracranial complications, and identifying red flags such as vision changes, orbital swelling, and rapidly progressive symptoms that require urgent evaluation. 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 Kwon, E., et al. (2025). Acute Sinusitis. StatPearls (Accessed, 4/29/26)]. Kwon, E., et al. (2026). Chronic Sinusitis. StatPearls (Accessed, 4/29/26). Shaikh N, Hoberman A, Shope TR, et al. Identifying Children Likely to Benefit From Antibiotics for Acute Sinusitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2023;330(4):349–358. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.10854

  3. Oct 15

    HEENT - Rhinitis

    In this episode, we review rhinitis, a common inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa that includes allergic, nonallergic (vasomotor), and infectious etiologies. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology, including IgE-mediated allergic responses, autonomic dysfunction, and viral infections, along with the classic presentation of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and nasal itching. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing clinical findings that help distinguish the different types of rhinitis, along with treatment strategies involving intranasal corticosteroids, ipratropium bromide, supportive care, and avoidance of environmental triggers. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of proper nasal spray technique, avoiding prolonged use of topical decongestants to prevent rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa), and recognizing red flags such as unilateral symptoms, bloody discharge, or possible cerebrospinal fluid leakage. 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 Akhouri, S., & House, S. A. (2023). Allergic Rhinitis. StatPearls [Internet] (Accessed 4/29/26). Çatlı, T., Atilla, H., & Miller, E. K. (2020). Acute Viral Rhinitis. Springer Nature Switzerland. Leader, P., & Geiger, Z. (2023). Nonallergic Rhinitis (Vasomotor Rhinitis). StatPearls [Internet] (Accessed 4/29/2026).

  4. Oct 15

    HEENT - Epistaxis

    In this episode, we review epistaxis, a frequent ENT complaint ranging from minor self-limiting bleeding to potentially life-threatening hemorrhage. We discuss important risk factors, including nasal trauma, dry air, hypertension, coagulopathies, and anticoagulant use, along with the anatomical differences between anterior bleeding from Kiesselbach's plexus and posterior bleeding associated with Woodruff's plexus. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach and stepwise management strategies, emphasizing direct nasal compression, topical vasoconstrictors, silver nitrate cauterization, and nasal packing when indicated. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of applying pressure to the soft cartilaginous portion of the nose, avoiding bilateral septal cauterization, and recognizing posterior epistaxis as a potentially serious condition requiring urgent ENT evaluation and possible hospitalization. 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 Tabassom, A., & Dahlstrom, J. J. (2022). Epistaxis. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Andreeff, R. (2016). Epistaxis. JAAPA Quick Recertification Series, 29(1), 46-47. Min, H. J., et al. (2017). Association between Hypertension and Epistaxis: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 157(6), 921–927.

  5. Oct 15

    HEENT - Nasal Polyps

    In this episode, we review nasal polyps, benign inflammatory growths of the sinonasal mucosa commonly associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). We discuss the underlying inflammatory mechanisms, including Type 2 inflammation and Samter's triad, along with the classic presentation of progressive nasal obstruction, congestion, rhinorrhea, and decreased or absent sense of smell (anosmia). The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing the characteristic pale, translucent, "peeled grape" appearance on nasal examination, along with the role of nasal endoscopy and sinus CT. We finish with treatment strategies involving saline irrigation, intranasal corticosteroids, biologic therapies such as dupilumab, and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), highlighting key clinical pearls including evaluation of unilateral nasal masses for possible malignancy and screening children with nasal polyps for cystic fibrosis. 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 Esmaeilzadeh, H., Zare, M., Alyasin, S., Nabavizadeh, H., Mortazavi, N., & Kanannejad, Z. (2022). A Review of Aspirin-exacerbated Respiratory Diseases and Immunological Efficacy of Aspirin Desensitization. Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol, 21(5), 512-523. Kariyawasam, H. H., et al. (2023). Biologic treatment for severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rhinology, 61(2): 98-107. del Toro, E., Hardin, F. M. L., & Portela, J. (2025). Nasal Polyps. StatPearls [Internet] (Accessed 4/29/26).

  6. Oct 15

    HEENT - Pharyngitis

    In this episode, we review acute pharyngitis, a common inflammatory condition of the throat most frequently caused by viral infections, with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) representing the leading bacterial cause. We discuss important risk factors and the classic presentation of sore throat, fever, painful swallowing, tonsillar exudates, and tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, along with clinical findings that help distinguish viral from bacterial infections. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing the modified Centor criteria, rapid antigen detection testing, and throat cultures, as well as treatment strategies involving supportive care for viral infections and penicillin or amoxicillin for confirmed streptococcal pharyngitis. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting that most cases are viral and self-limiting, the importance of appropriate antibiotic stewardship, and recognizing potential complications such as peritonsillar abscess, acute rheumatic fever, and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. 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 Hamilton JL, McCrea Ii L. Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Rapid Evidence Review. Am Fam Physician. 2024 Apr;109(4):343-349. PMID: 38648833. Wessels MR. Clinical practice. Streptococcal pharyngitis. N Engl J Med. 2011 Feb 17;364(7):648-55. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp1009126. PMID: 21323542. Sur DKC, Plesa ML. Antibiotic Use in Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections. Am Fam Physician. 2022 Dec;106(6):628-636. PMID: 36521460. Smith KL, Hughes R, Myrex P. Tonsillitis and Tonsilloliths: Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2023 Jan;107(1):35-41. PMID: 36689967.

  7. Oct 15

    HEENT - Retinal Detachment

    In this episode, we review retinal detachment, a vision-threatening ophthalmologic emergency caused by separation of the retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, potentially resulting in retinal ischemia and permanent vision loss. We discuss the major mechanisms of retinal detachment, including retinal tears, vitreoretinal traction, and fluid accumulation, along with important risk factors such as severe myopia, increasing age, ocular trauma, diabetes, and previous cataract surgery. The segment also covers the classic presentation of sudden, painless vision loss, flashes of light, new floaters, and a dark curtain descending across the visual field, as well as the diagnostic role of fundoscopic examination and bedside ocular ultrasound. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls emphasizing that retinal detachment requires immediate ophthalmologic evaluation and often urgent surgical intervention, as delayed treatment can result in irreversible vision loss. 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 D'Amico DJ. Clinical practice. Primary retinal detachment. N Engl J Med. 2008 Nov 27;359(22):2346-54. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp0804591. PMID: 19038880. Znaor L, Medic A, Binder S, Vucinovic A, Marin Lovric J, Puljak L. Pars plana vitrectomy versus scleral buckling for repairing simple rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD009562. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009562.pub2. Accessed 15 October 2026. Gelston CD, Deitz GA. Eye Emergencies. Am Fam Physician. 2020 Nov 1;102(9):539-545. PMID: 33118787. Lin, J.B., Narayanan, R., Philippakis, E. et al. Retinal detachment. Nat Rev Dis Primers 10, 18 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-024-00501-5

  8. Oct 15

    HEENT - Acute Otitis Media

    In this episode, we review acute otitis media (AOM), one of the most common pediatric ear infections, typically developing after a viral upper respiratory infection causes Eustachian tube dysfunction and fluid accumulation in the middle ear. We discuss the most common bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, along with the classic presentation of ear pain, fever, irritability, and otorrhea. The segment also covers the diagnostic approach, emphasizing a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane with decreased mobility on pneumatic otoscopy, and treatment strategies involving high-dose amoxicillin as first-line therapy, selective watchful waiting, and tympanostomy tubes for recurrent infections. We finish with high-yield clinical pearls highlighting the importance of recognizing complications such as mastoiditis, hearing loss, and chronic middle ear infections, along with preventive measures including pneumococcal and influenza vaccination. 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 Shaikh N. Otitis Media in Young Children. N Engl J Med. 2025 Apr 10;392(14):1418-1426. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp2400531. PMID: 40214033. Gaddey HL, Wright MT, Nelson TN. Otitis Media: Rapid Evidence Review. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Sep 15;100(6):350-356. PMID: 31524361. Allan S. Lieberthal, Aaron E. Carroll, Tasnee Chonmaitree, Theodore G. Ganiats, Alejandro Hoberman, Mary Anne Jackson, Mark D. Joffe, Donald T. Miller, Richard M. Rosenfeld, Xavier D. Sevilla, Richard H. Schwartz, Pauline A. Thomas, David E. Tunkel; The Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media. Pediatrics March 2013; 131 (3): e964–e999. 10.1542/peds.2012-3488

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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
    127
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    UTHSC PA Program Podcast