Introduction to Radiology for Physician Assistants

Introduction to Radiology for Physician Assistants

Updated: 06/09/2016

In this post, I hope to introduce you all to the differences between imaging modalities, including indications and contraindications. My goal is also to provide a basic understanding of the concepts surrounding density and normal x-ray findings. Future posts will investigate the findings for pneumonia, pneumothoraces, effusions, atelectasis, fractures/dislocations, arthritis, intracranial, GI and hepatic pathology, bowel, lines/tubes, and heart disease.

Conventional Radiography (Plain Films)

• Images produced through use of ionizing radiation
• No contrast material (barium or iodine)
• Why it’s important: Large doses of radiation can produce cell mutations leading to cancer or anomalies. Even low levels of radiation are teratogenic (avoid in pregnancy).
• Relatively inexpensive, obtained easily (portable, mobile), most widely used
• Common uses: chest x-ray (CXR), abdominal x-ray, and for fractures or arthritis

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT Scans)

• Uses a gantry with a rotating x-ray beam and multiple detectors with sophisticated algorithms to process the data
• Expensive equipment, lots of space, and high computer processing power required

The Applicant’s Manual of Physician Assistant Programs

The Applicant’s Manual of Physician Assistant Programs

Updated: 06/03/2016

I met Mark Volpe in November 2015 at a the Inaugural Future Educator Fellowship (FEF) PAEA Conference. Mark is a standup guy and his dedication to aide pre-PA students after entering the workforce really speaks to his character and motivation. Mark is also the coauthor of a book inspired to help pre-PA students easily navigate the pre-application process in hopes to narrowing the search for a PA-program-home.

The Applicant’s Manual of Physician Assistant Programs provides tips and tricks for navigating the application process and gives students useful and comprehensive information about every single accredited PA program in the US. This not only saves the student time in the exhausting and taxing search through PA program websites, but also provides the most important information about each school in a single comprehensive text to use at your own disposal. This manual easily helps to narrow down your list of potential PA programs and gain a competitive edge - the first step to applying to PA school.

Key features include:
1. An introduction section which reviews the basics of the PA school application and admissions process