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2011-2012 PANCE/PANRE Online Review Course

Sponsored by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) Physician Assistant Program and accredited by AAPA, this course covers all topics on the NCCPA examination blueprint. New this year: Download MP3 files of all lectures!

Only $289 for the entire 5-module review course.

Click here for a full listing of activities.

PA Job Link

The PA Job Link is provided by the American Academy of Physician Assistants and is a great asset for both job seekers and employers.

CME Spotlight

mycme.com offers FREE CME for physician assistants and other health-care professionals on a wide variety of topics in print and video. Please visit mycme.com for this month's featured courses.

AAPA Calendar

Stay up-to-date on meetings with the AAPA Calendar

Case Reports

C-reactive protein: A clinically useful biomarker in renal cell carcinoma

Timothy V. Johnson, MD, Jennifer DeLong, PA; Viraj A. Master, MD, PhD January 16, 2012

Biochemical markers of inflammation, specifically CRP, serve as adjuncts to TNM staging  to help identify patients at increased risk for recurrence of kidney cancer.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura develops in a 67-year-old female

Mackenzie L. Pennington, MS, PA-C, Alison C. Essary, MHPE, PA-C December 19, 2011

After a careful diagnostic workup and a process of elimination, the patient's attempt to treat her leg cramps was revealed to be the most probable cause of her hemorrhagic lesions.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis: A rare fungal infection linked to diabetes

Sarah Asman, MPA, PA-C, Mehrdad M. Behnia, MD, FACP, FCCP December 05, 2011

Although usually prevented by the immune system, this disease is common in patients who are immunocompromised. As in this case, early detection and treatment are key.

Fusobacterium otitis causes a case of  hydrocephalus and fatal meningitis

Erin N. Arrington; M. Michael Behnia, MD November 15, 2011

A delay in the administration of antimicrobial therapy resulted in lethal complications. To reduce the high morbidity and mortality rates, clinicians must begin early treatment.

What caused the medical emergency in this patient with type 1 diabetes?

Kenneth Szwak, MHS, PA-C, William A. Wild, DO November 04, 2011

Even though patients in diabetic ketoacidosis commonly present with hyperglycemia,  normal blood glucose levels don't allow you to rule out this diabetic emergency.

Tachycardia and an enlarged cardiac silhouette in an adolescent male

Tara Trout, MMS, PA-C, P. Nelson Le, MD, FAAP October 24, 2011

An 18-year-old with a complicated history presents with a worsening upper respiratory tract infection. A chest radiograph identified a severe heart condition as the cause.

Abdominal pain in an elderly patient with an extensive surgical history

Lisa Vieira, DHS, PA-C, Sonia James, RN, MA, ACNP-BC, CCRN October 10, 2011

One of the first steps to diagnosis was ruling out ischemia due to an earlier surgical procedure. CT with and without contrast helped confirm the cause of this man's worsening discomfort.

A rare cause of hip pain characterized by an inability to walk or bear weight

Troy Wagner, PA-C September 26, 2011

With no history of trauma, a middle-age man experiences severe pain in his left hip and  buttock. After common conditions are excluded, an unusual diagnosis is finally made.

Immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura in a 21-year-old student

Shaun Grammer, MS, PA-C, Leamor Kahanov, EdD, LAT, ATC September 12, 2011

Diagnosis of the adult form and the pediatric form of ITP may be based less on the calendar than on individual patient presentation.

Recurrent pneumonia and fevers in a child with congenital heart disease

August 15, 2011

Sound clinical judgment coupled with diagnostic testing reveal a much more serious cause of a 6-year-old girl's seemingly nondiagnostic symptoms of recurrent fever and cough.

Chikungunya virus: An emerging condition in the industrialized world

Alicia Weitzel, BS, Paul P. Rega, MD, FACEP; Christopher E. Bork, PhD, EMT-B, FASAHP January 23, 2012

Once found only in developing tropical nations, CHIKV has spread to the world at large.  With proper management and close communication with authorities, it can be contained.

Interactions between supplements and drugs: Deciphering the evidence

John Laird, ND December 12, 2011

Make sure you know what dietary supplements your patient uses because the potential for interaction with a medication you prescribe is significant.

The use of NIPPV therapy to treat  patients with acute respiratory failure

Michael P. Merren, MSM, MMSc, PA-C, AA-C November 09, 2011

Appropriate use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation can decrease the morbidity and mortality rates associated with standard treatment for ARF.

The use of corticosteroids for spinal cord injuries: Where are we now?

Michael Halasy, MS, PA-C October 17, 2011

Clinicians have long been confused about how to best treat SCIs. Research on the topic is limited, and existing study designs remain flawed. This article reviews the literature.

Hidden variables: Why patients may misunderstand written screening tools

Timothy V. Johnson, MD, Jennifer DeLong, PA-C; Viraj A. Master, MD, PhD, FACS September 19, 2011

Low health literacy and education level adversely affect patients' understanding of written screening tools. Strategies are available to prevent confusion and improve outcomes.

Surgical treatment for osteochondral injuries of the articular knee surface

Rob Powers, MEd, PA-C, ATC  September 05, 2011

Techniques involving the transfer of osteochondral cylinders and implanting of cartilage cells in areas of damaged cartilage can reduce patients' pain and return them to an active lifestyle.

Laryngectomy: The silent unknowns and challenges of surgical treatment

Linda Diamond, PA-C August 01, 2011

Patients with laryngeal cancer who decide to have a total laryngectomy face a number of  difficulties, including loss of speech and the consequent social isolation.

Robotics for the surgical treatment of pediatric patients: An overview

Michael D. Sumpter, MS, PA-C June 13, 2011

New robotic surgery systems have broadened the scope of treatment options for pediatrics, allowing surgeons access to a three-dimensional view and the ability to operate remotely.