What are
/r/physicianassistant's
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The most popular Products mentioned in /r/physicianassistant:
The most popular Services mentioned in /r/physicianassistant:
Indeed
Anki
FileDropper.com
Lifehacker
Player FM
Barnes & Noble
Evernote
OfferUp
TextExpander
The most popular reviews in /r/physicianassistant:
I'm 33 and I did it. There are 5-6 people in my class who are 35-40, married, some have kids too. A former co-worker went back at 42 as a single mom with a teenage child. She got a job straight out of school making >100K. There is even a book written by a student who went back at 58 https://www.amazon.com/Old-Man-Campus-middle-aged-assistant/dp/1479372099
Don't let age hold you back. You'll be able to find a job no problem and IMO, I prefer my classmates who have life experience rather than the straight from undergrad 22 yo.
You’re welcome. Best pen in the world. Zebra 301A Ballpoint Aluminum Retractable Pen, Fine Point, 0.7mm, Blue Barrel, Black Ink, 2-Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SB08U8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_TG16THXAH46TX21ZTAJW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I can't comment on the UC Bootcamp, but if you aren't already subscribed to Urgent Care RAP, I highly suggest doing so. Here you can get $25 off your subscription.
As far as preparing, review the most common UC diagnoses, which honestly could be just about anything lol. I reviewed this book when I first started out and I still use it as a reference from time to time but now I mostly use UTD.
If you don't have the EMRA antibiotics guide then that's a great thing to have handy. Pretty cheap at like $27 for the newest edition, and this thing is perfect for figuring out what abx to give and when. Doesn't explain anything about the drugs so it's not like micromedex or anything, but it can list what the issue is that needs abx and then what abx at what dose for each indication.
I've always heard people say the best things about the green one that the NCCPA always promotes.
Here is a link for it
Sorry, I should have posted a specific one. It is not a pain clinic. When the hospitalist can't get a central line or LP in their 400lb patient you do it for them with fluoroscopy. Abscess need guided drainage? You do it. You might do some work for pain management, but it is nothing like being in pain management.
That said, it is a niche subspecialty but there are always at least a couple jobs floating around.
We have this book in our office. It has basically any injection you can think of with guided steps. There is also online content/videos with the ebook.
I use it all the time. It doesn’t take the place of in person training obviously but it was been a lifesaver during COVID with no conferences/seminars.
Comprehensive Atlas of Ultrasound-Guided Pain Management Injection Tec... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1451186703/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_EHRTDMNM1HCVA4AP0MM7
I’m not sure about any online resources, but this book is what we use in my clinic. It’s super useful and I’ve used it for my own injuries.
The Sports Medicine Patient Advisor, Third Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0984303103/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_RyY.FbJ212W35
Fundamentals of Critical Care Support--it's the text for the course but you can buy it without taking it. It's down and dirty; the basics. PulmCCM is a great website that also has an app for your phone. Anesthesiologist is a handy app to have for drug dosages, I used it all the time when I worked CC.
I want to get into wound care and a colleague that does it full time suggested this book to me:
Kleenguard Maverick glasses. Under $10, truly anti-fog, and haven’t been scratched up at all after 6 months of wiping them down with disinfectant wipes after each patient.
200mg in the evening. Taking in AM gave me a bit of brain fog. No GI impact like other forms (ahem, citrate/oxide). I use Doctor’s Best.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0996651381/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wW69FbWV5C6WW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Also pls don't buy osmosis full price like at least once a month it goes on sale for 50% off it's much more affordable that way.
Beats X wireless are worth every penny. Don’t have to worry about a headphone jack and are very comfortable for long study sessions. They are on sale on Amazon!
This is a great resource, and only $32 on Amazon:
I used a previous edition when I studied for the PANCE. I am actually taking the PANRE on Saturday and used a newer edition.
It has about 400 pages of content, a 300 question practice test and an online question bank (not sure how many).
When studying, practice questions are key. I also really like:
https://www.amazon.com/Physician-Assistant-Examination-Seventh-Allied/dp/0071845054
About $38 and has 1300 practice questions.
There is a book by Kaplan that is absolute garbage.
Dr. Pestana's Surgery Notes: Top 180 Vignettes for the Surgical Wards (Kaplan Test Prep) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1506235913/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Ku1BFbAAGVZBQ
Online meded
Surgery: A Case Based Clinical Review https://www.amazon.com/dp/1493917250/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ly1BFb5R90FY1
Used this during my surgery rotation and thought it was helpful. Congrats and good luck!
I read this prior to starting and it was a good review of a lot of different topics! I started as a new grad in EM just over 3 months ago and I’m still learning new things every shift but already feel like I’ve grown exponentially since beginning. One of the biggest tips I can give is start transitioning from the mindset of what is this most likely to what is the worst possible cause of this patients presentation and what work up is necessary to rule that out. If you have any other questions feel free to message me!
I read this book during my time off before starting work and thought it was a good review. It was helpful for going from studying board where you’re thinking about what’s the most likely cause of symptoms vs in the ER where you think what is the worst possible scenario and what is necessary to rule that out. I work in a pretty high volume high acuity ER and it was overwhelming at first but I definitely feel like it’s forced me to learn fast. My biggest advice is have a low threshold for asking questions or for help with a complex or very sick patient if you feel overwhelmed
Here's a great app for learning medical Spanish which is free. It has all the medical terms as well as a Dialogue section that covers a full H&P.
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
Here's a great app for learning medical Spanish which is free. It has all the medical terms as well as a Dialogue section that covers a full H&P.
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
Here's a great app for learning medical Spanish which is free. It has all the medical terms as well as a Dialogue section that covers a full H&P.
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
Here's a great app for learning medical Spanish which is free. It has all the medical terms as well as a Dialogue section that covers a full H&P.
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
Here's a great app for learning medical Spanish which is free. It has all the medical terms as well as a Dialogue section that covers a full H&P.
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
Here's a great app for learning medical Spanish, but it won't use up any of your CME money because it's free:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
Here's a great app for learning medical Spanish. It has all the medical terms as well as a Dialogue section that covers a full H&P. And it's free:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
Here's a great app for learning medical Spanish. It has all the medical terms as well as a Dialogue section that covers a full H&P. And it's free:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
Here's a good app for learning medical Spanish. It has all the medical terms as well as a Dialogue section that covers a full H&P. And it's free:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
If you're interested in medical Spanish, here is an amazing app, which is free:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
Here's a good app for learning medical Spanish. It has all the medical terms as well as a Dialogue section that covers a full H&P. And it's free:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1574202729?pt=123220161&ct=email&mt=8
I worked in UC, but EM, but I found the book Minor Emergencies: expert consult helpful for procedures, and I would think it would be pretty helpful for EM as well. Amazon link
I started to write a long TLDR; but then changed my mind.
Tribalism is strong.
All it takes is one bad seed (as you mentioned) for one tribe to lose trust with another. This exacerbates an already existing rivalry and results in written and unwritten rules to attempt to put the other tribe "in its place". Docs vs PAs/NPs, Docs vs Nurses, PAs vs NPs, Nurses vs Med Techs. Stressors, like an overburdened system, contribute to the problem.
We've come along way as PAs, but a few bad PAs on one side, and a few bad Docs on the other side create these waves that affect professions and teams negatively. This will probably never change.
How I survived: be the best team member I could be as a PA. Build trust as much as possible with those I work with. In my 42 years of medical service, the last 28 as a PA, I had just a few who didn't like me for some reason, but I managed to get through it. In most cases, I built a baseline of trust.
A good short book (easy read) that helped me navigate and explain a lot of the human behavior one has to deal with: Leadership and Self-Deception.
A short video series that's historically outdated but helped me understand tribalism is here.
I retired a year ago and don't miss any of this never-ending, resurfacing political mumbo jumbo.
But, I have faith that you youngin's and active mature leaders out there, along with our supporters, will continue to make the PA profession stronger.
Not sure the attraction to dividend stocks, not very tax efficient if in a taxable brokerage account.
How I Lost Money in Real Estate Before It Was Fashionable: A Cautionary Tale https://www.amazon.com/dp/173772412X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QC3SF0C4V98KVHY3SH8J
May check out this book, endorsed by many successful real estate investors. No one talks about the failures so a lot of what you read and listen to out there leads to a selection bias.
Good luck as a new PA!
I recently started in neurosurgery as well, mostly spine with some brain. I was told that these two books are the best to get to help you prepare and study so I ordered both of them:
Introduction to Spine Surgery by Sue Corbett: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1588904695?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Handbook of Neurosurgery by Mark S. Greenberg: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1684201373?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I've started going through both of them and they are fantastic resources. All the other PAs and both surgeons swear by them. The first book is really great at walking you through different procedures.
Also, if you're not comfortable looking at spinal MRIs, maybe start looking some up, especially comparing T1 and T2 views and what they're good for. Be comfortable recognizing cord compression and signal change, compression fractures, spondylolisthesis, disc herniations, and general degenerative changes.
Also be sure to brush up on stroke pathology and treatment if your group handles those cases. Best of luck to you!
I didn’t take the route you are going to take so I can’t answer what science courses or prerequisites you are missing from your nursing education. However, many schools require core science classes to be retaken if it’s been so many years since you completed them. I believe if it’s been 5 years or more you would have to re take them.
I recommend this book: https://www.amazon.com/Applicants-Manual-Physician-Assistant-Programs/dp/B08XGSTK2V
It’s got an updated database of the requirements for pretty much every PA program out there. It’s what I used to pick which schools I wanted to apply to and make sure I met their requirements.
You will also need to take the GRE or the PACAT. The PACAT is like the MCAT but tailored for pre-PA applicants. Some schools are opting for the PACAT over the GRE but I do not think a lot of them are doing that yet. Thats something I would look into. I am sorry I didn’t have to take it since it’s really new so I don’t have any advice or information about it. I just used Kaplan to study for the GRE and took that.
Also most PA programs recommend or even do not allow you to work during school. Also honestly you won’t have time to work and you won’t want to any way lol.
The website The Physician Assistant Life is also a good resource for finding out more about the PA school application process. The pre PA subreddit is probably a good resource too.
Finally, if it were me I would keep your RN license as well. It’s always good to keep your options open and you worked hard to get it.
You already have tons of great hands on patient care experience which is a big thing in your favor as an applicant. Schools will question why you want to do PA vs NP but you have good answers too that question.
I wish you all the best of luck! Your experience as a nurse will definitely help you be a well rounded PA.
This Book was recommended to me by an Ortho resident when I was on one of my rotations in PA school. I consider it my Ortho bible. I still keep it with me at all times. Its perfect for quick references, key points on exams, xrays, treatment etc. A must have in any ortho PA's pocket! I've been in Ortho for 8 years (both office/clinic and hospital) but I still find this reference very handy (especially for visual learners).
Ignore the people who post or say things like they're studying every waking minute. If they are, much of it's either wasted or unwisely spent time (they could be studying more efficiently) or they simply aren't actually. Some folks might well be and need to be, to be fair, no judging I guess.
I am someone who is kind of dumber-er than my classmates. I knew some who blew through didactic, that could go to lecture and then take a quiz and ace it. I don't have that kind of verbal memory by a long island mile.
I have been using Anki, a digital flashcard program with apps for phones and computer. r/medicalschoolanki has decks that many folks have used successfully to prepare for Step exams. Unfortunately nothing like this exists for PAs. (There is a project to do so over at r/paschoolanki, but it's very slow going.) This has helped with my memory of specific details, helpful for meds and whatnot, but it does take a long time to make cards. At this point my weak spot is being comprehensive enough in my studying... what I card repeatedly is good to go, the problem is putting enough topics through the process.
Almost everyone feels like they don't know enough, and tbh we're probably right. Each and every one of us will need to continue studying to some extent, to provide excellent care to our patients. Medicine changes, and school doesn't and can't teach you everything. But as long as you're passing your tests and putting in effort on your rotations, you'll be alright. Good luck to you.
Not sure if you enjoy podcasts, but I just heard a good one on that exact topic:
ACEP-EQUAL: Pain Management for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder (Dr. Andrew Herring) by Academic Life in Emergency Medicine (ALiEM) Podcast
Site seems a little sketch, but I uploaded the AAPA's Salary report here and you should be able to download it. (Hopefully you have some type of AdBlocker installed).
File size is approx 3.2MB
If you want quick or instant recall, use Anki flashcards on your PC and phone.
Subpar student here. Many of my classmates can go to lecture and remember everything, take a quiz immediately and get 90-100 on it. Me? Absolutely not. I might just straight up be dumber (seriously) but it's also a learning style thing (more reading/physical than verbal/auditory). But if it's something that I've Anki-ed and gone through the spaced repetition process, that stuff I can nail. It's permanent. Anything else is luck of the dice if I can recall it or not. Make digital flashcards during your lectures, go through your decks during the last hour before you fall asleep, you won't fail your classes and you'll be well set for long-term retention.
Rotations are different, it's a lot more practical and applied knowledge. The school might have given you a lot of theoretical knowledge and really laid a solid groundwork for you understand what you're doing, but you might still look like a fool for several weeks until you bridge the gap between the theory and the applied side. I'd still rather look the fool but have the solid base, better off in the long run than having a shallow but working knowledge, yet still not really understanding why you're doing what you're doing.
6 years first assist experience here. Suturing: yes, repetition is needed, but also, see if you can scrub on the plastics cases letting them know that’s your focus, they are suture masters and often have great tricks or good pointers.
Anticipation: yes ask the surgeon what’s he’s looking for in your help with this regard but I’ve found watching other experienced surgeons first assist complex cases can be very enlightening on what a good assist does. If there aren’t any at your facility, there’s probably some videos online.
Tissue manipulation: this comes with time but is also a function of familiarity with the video and instrument feedback/environment. Our hospital had cheap mini laparoscopic practice boxes that plugged into the computer monitor which really helped with orientation and manipulation. A 10 sec search on Amazon found this one which I’m sure your department could afford: Simulated insufflated Belly Trainer Simulator Training Box with 30&0 Degree HD Insert Camera and 10 Training Module, 4 Training Instruments for Students and Resident. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MCYH4SZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XP1FKGMXTGBGWDN2S92F
Above all believe in yourself and demonstrate confidence, don’t second guess yourself. It’s called the practice of medicine for a reason.
I look at other provider or clinic-wide templates and pick and choose what to place in my own templates. I use an app called TextExpander and it helps me A TON. It’s easy and intuitive once you practice the snippet features and you can create pretty much any blurb you want to insert into your clinic note. Here is TextExpander
I am a big fan of the app, Lexicomp. I use 5-minute consult and the medication sections constantly.
UpToDate
EMRA Antibiotic Guide, 19th Edition Paperback
The obvious answer, First Aid for the Psychiatry Clerkship is all I used.
You can never go wrong w Elsevier’s:
Operative Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 2-Volume Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0323401503/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_K79F5E3C17YBTBHJ0NNJ
Look into Newer volumes if you want, but these are 👍🏼
Get this book
Very to the point. Also get orthobullet subscription. You’ll be set with these two.
Ok, hear me out. I love this bag especially for traveling because it is the only one I found that had that back strap to slide it onto carry-on handle. I have had it for about 2 years and it still looks new with near daily use. Lily & Drew Casual Travel Daypack School Backpack for Men Women and 13 Inch Laptop Computer, with Wide Doctor Style Top Opening (V4 Black Medium) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078MLLLWQ/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_fabc_CXQ3RFXBW8CE7XTEWT6J?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Solo New York Briefcase, Gray, Black, 12.5" x 17" x 5" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JGHVJE4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T75TTQQ57J099RWNTDB2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use this, it’s pretty good for the price
What you are asking for is to understand physiology without understanding biology which is difficult. I would focus on undergrad and not worry about that right now ... but if you need to scratch the itch then:
The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review, 2e
I work in Head and Neck Surgery and this is my favorite book. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
A Queens Hammer- best neuro exam tool on the market: MDF Queen Square Neurological Reflex Hammer with Pointed tip for Superficial responses - Free-Parts-for-Life & - Black (MDF545-11) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DW12NC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_BI90Fb4R17GMD
That and a ton of quality pens.
My reddit Secret Santa got me this book the christmas before I started school. It was great
​
https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-PA-School-Physician-Assistant/dp/1939418941
This. Make sure to get the medical one. Lifesaver on all rotations. My entire class got them because they were so helpful. Highly recommend!
Himawari Laptop Backpack Travel Backpack With USB Charging Port Large Diaper Bag Doctor Bag School Backpack for Women&Men (XK-05#-USB L） https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JCGF6P6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_IXSTFb82NXT7V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Love this backpack from Amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/Critical-Hospitalist-Medicine-Ridiculously-Simple/dp/B07Y4MXWVP
^ Is very good. It’s definitely on the simple side, but I find broad refreshers useful when stepping into a new role. I read it before my hospitalist rotation and felt really comfortable with the fundamentals of hospital based medicine.
I LOVE my CLARKS! I tried them on at Kohl's but bought them on Amazon for 1/2 price! Many of the OR nurses I talked to swear by them! =)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010TR5QCA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I recently just went on Amazon and searched for books related to my new specialty - I'm starting an IR job after 10 years in ICU and surgical fields. I read the reviews and found one that was a "must read" for residents and figured that would suit me well. It may go beyond my scope a little but I'm excited to walk in day 1 with a really good knowledge base.
Something like this would probably be good: https://www.amazon.com/Neurosurgery-Fundamentals-Nitin-Agarwal/dp/1626238227/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=neurosurgery&qid=1570120554&sr=8-9
Very late to this party but hopefully can help if you're still looking for an answer. https://www.amazon.com/LiveFine-Automatic-Dispenser-Electronic-Medication/dp/B00FL623G2 is just one example of an "automatic medication dispenser". I did home care for a while and families swore by them when mom was ok by herself except for her meds. Also come in locking versions if that becomes a need.
I love these sketchers for Healthcare workers. They look like sneakers, but are waterproof. Danskos were too heavy/bulky for me. These are lightweight and have great cushion.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07793TY1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xPtEFbH9EFFYT
50 Studies Every Doctor Should Know: The Key Studies That Form The Foundation Of Evidence Based Medicine (Fifty Studies Every Doctor Should Know) https://www.amazon.com/dp/019934356X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eOUmFbW9R1DRJ
Also UpToDate talks about the star-d trial and literally every other trial and study
I also work as a neurohospitalist PA.
Start with this book: Lange clinical neurology and neuroanatomy
I always recommend the ENLS (emergency neurologic life support) course. Also get your NIHSS certification while you are at it.
If you're looking for a physical resource (rather than online) the pocket medicine series is awesome. I used it for both family med and internal med and found it was extremely helpful and user friendly. Now I work in psych and i still have them in my office for quick reference of things outside my speciality. https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Medicine-Massachusetts-Hospital-Handbook/dp/1496349482/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YEKN30M84W54&keywords=pocket+medicine&qid=1560092724&s=gateway&sprefix=pocket+medi%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Fuel-Most-Important-Number-Financial/dp/0996661107 highly recommend this book will help you a lot with your worries
Crosspost to /r/PAstudent for more suggestions but I tend to agree with /u/NevaGonnaCatchMe - you'll get more bang for your buck with a UpToDate subscription. I created my account logged in through my hospital's web browser and have full access without paying the fine. You just need to periodically log in through the hospital. I found that easy to maintain during clinicals and used it frequently. The only pocket references I carry are by EMRA - this antibiotic guide and this ER differentials guide
Pocket Medicine Pocket Medicine: The Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine https://www.amazon.com/dp/1496349482/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_GFyrBb1RMX511
Dubins Guide to EKGs
Rapid Interpretation of EKG's, Sixth... https://www.amazon.com/dp/0912912065?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
I also have Harrison’s Manual of Medicine. It’s not as thick or big as the principles of medicine. However it’s very handy and thorough. I believe they have kindle versions of this and Dubins.
Otherwise I use UpToDate. I also have access to Harrison’s through the hospital, if I ever have the time to read in depth on a subject.
My hospital has a pretty big network. So they also have a lot of resources available. For example some of the old school attendings have pocket cards made for diabetes, etoh and constipation. Our new cardiologists made a CHF pocket card for us to reference.
One of the folding white coat clipboards, she will love you when clinical's start. I got mine off Amazon and it's way better than folding things and you can keep all sorts of cheat sheets in it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DR0JD94/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_P3MYwbVKSKSJY
If this is what you're referring to, then absolutely get it if you want more detail than you may ever use. It is quick to reference and has A LOT of great stuff.