In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Gastric Adenocarcinoma, the most common type of stomach cancer worldwide. You’ll learn about key risk factors—including Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, chronic gastritis, and certain dietary exposures—as well as regional differences in incidence. We’ll cover hallmark presentations like unexplained weight loss, early satiety, and iron deficiency anemia, plus paraneoplastic signs such as Virchow node and Sister Mary Joseph nodule. Diagnostic evaluation, staging, and management strategies—including surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care—are also highlighted.#GastricAdenocarcinoma #StomachCancer #Hpilori #UpperGI #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Gastroparesis, a disorder of delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. You’ll learn about hallmark symptoms such as early satiety, postprandial fullness, nausea, vomiting, and bloating, as well as common causes like diabetes, postsurgical changes, and idiopathic cases. We’ll also cover diagnostic testing—including gastric emptying studies—and management strategies ranging from dietary modification and prokinetic agents to advanced therapies for refractory disease.#Gastroparesis #DelayedGastricEmptying #DiabetesComplications #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES), a rare disorder caused by gastrin-secreting tumors (gastrinomas) that lead to excessive gastric acid production. You’ll learn how ZES presents with refractory peptic ulcers, chronic diarrhea, and abdominal pain, understand its association with MEN1, and review diagnostic testing such as fasting gastrin levels and secretin stimulation testing. We’ll also cover imaging strategies to localize gastrinomas and management approaches, including acid suppression and surgical resection.#ZollingerEllisonSyndrome #ZES #Gastrinoma #MEN1 #PepticUlcers #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, dives into Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a gram-negative bacterium strongly linked to gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. You’ll learn about its unique mechanisms for surviving in the stomach’s acidic environment, how it damages the mucosa, and the classic clinical scenarios where testing is warranted. We’ll also cover diagnostic options—such as urea breath test, stool antigen, and biopsy—and review first-line eradication therapies, including triple and quadruple regimens.#Hpylori #Gastritis #PepticUlcerDisease #GIinfections #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD), a condition characterized by mucosal defects in the stomach or duodenum due to an imbalance of protective and aggressive factors. You’ll learn about common causes—including Helicobacter pylori infection, NSAID use, and hypersecretory states—classic presentations such as epigastric pain related to meals, and complications like bleeding or perforation. We’ll also cover the diagnostic approach, including endoscopy and testing for H. pylori, and evidence-based treatment strategies.#PUD #PepticUlcerDisease #Hpilori #NSAIDs #UpperGIdisorders #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Gastritis, inflammation of the gastric mucosa that can be acute or chronic. You’ll learn the most common causes—including Helicobacter pylori, NSAID use, alcohol, and stress—along with hallmark symptoms such as epigastric pain, nausea, and bloating. We’ll also cover diagnostic evaluation with endoscopy, biopsy findings, and evidence-based management strategies, from acid suppression to H. pylori eradication therapy.#Gastritis #Hpilori #NSAIDs #UpperGIdisorders #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Barrett’s Esophagus—a metaplastic change of the distal esophagus caused by chronic GERD—and its progression risk to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma, the most common esophageal cancer in the United States. You’ll learn hallmark features of Barrett’s, how it differs from squamous cell carcinoma, key risk factors such as obesity and reflux, and the role of endoscopic surveillance and biopsy. We’ll also cover diagnostic evaluation and management strategies for adenocarcinoma, including endoscopic resection, surgery, and chemoradiation.#BarrettsEsophagus #EsophagealAdenocarcinoma #GERDcomplications #UpperGIcancer #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, the most common esophageal cancer worldwide. You’ll learn about its strong associations with tobacco, alcohol, and caustic injury, recognize hallmark symptoms such as progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and odynophagia, and understand diagnostic evaluation with endoscopy and biopsy. We’ll also cover staging, prognosis, and treatment strategies, including surgery, chemoradiation, and palliative care.#EsophagealCancer #SquamousCellCarcinoma #Dysphagia #UpperGI #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Esophageal Foreign Bodies, a common emergency in pediatrics but also seen in adults. You’ll learn to recognize presenting symptoms such as dysphagia, drooling, chest discomfort, and inability to handle secretions, and understand which ingested objects—like button batteries or sharp items—require urgent removal. We’ll also cover the role of imaging, endoscopic retrieval, and airway precautions in management.#EsophagealForeignBody #GIemergency #ButtonBattery #Dysphagia #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Esophageal Varices, dilated submucosal veins in the lower esophagus that develop as a complication of portal hypertension. You’ll learn to recognize clinical presentations such as hematemesis and melena, understand the role of cirrhosis and portal venous pressure in their development, and review acute management—including resuscitation, octreotide, and endoscopic band ligation—as well as strategies for secondary prevention.#EsophagealVarices #PortalHypertension #UpperGIbleed #Cirrhosis #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Hiatal Hernia, a condition in which part of the stomach herniates through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity. You’ll learn the difference between sliding and paraesophageal hernias, recognize their association with GERD and complications like strangulation, and explore diagnostic evaluation with barium swallow and endoscopy. We’ll also cover management—from lifestyle modifications and acid suppression to surgical repair when indicated.#HiatalHernia #SlidingHernia #ParaesophagealHernia #GERD #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Esophageal Strictures, Webs, and Rings, structural abnormalities that can narrow the esophageal lumen and cause dysphagia. You’ll learn how chronic GERD leads to peptic strictures, how esophageal webs are linked to conditions like Plummer-Vinson syndrome, and how Schatzki rings cause intermittent dysphagia to solids. We’ll also cover hallmark symptoms, key diagnostic tools such as barium swallow and endoscopy, and treatment strategies including dilation and acid suppression.#EsophagealStricture #SchatzkiRing #EsophagealWeb #Dysphagia #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Neurogenic Dysphagia, Scleroderma Esophagus, and Peptic Esophageal Strictures—three important motility-related conditions that impact swallowing and esophageal function. You’ll learn how neurogenic causes disrupt coordinated swallowing, how systemic sclerosis leads to smooth muscle atrophy and reflux complications, and how chronic acid exposure from GERD contributes to peptic stricture formation. We’ll also cover hallmark presentations, diagnostic tools like manometry and endoscopy, and management strategies tailored to each condition.#EsophagealMotility #NeurogenicDysphagia #SclerodermaEsophagus #PepticStrictures #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Zenker Diverticulum, a pharyngoesophageal pouch that develops just above the upper esophageal sphincter. You’ll learn to recognize classic symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation of undigested food, chronic cough, and halitosis. We’ll also cover the pathophysiology behind cricopharyngeal dysfunction, diagnostic approaches including barium swallow, and treatment options like endoscopic or surgical repair.#ZenkerDiverticulum #Dysphagia #Regurgitation #EsophagealDisorders #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Diffuse Esophageal Spasm (DES), a motility disorder characterized by uncoordinated, non-peristaltic contractions of the esophagus. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark symptoms such as intermittent dysphagia and chest pain that can mimic angina, review diagnostic findings including a “corkscrew” appearance on barium swallow and abnormal manometry patterns, and explore management strategies from lifestyle modification and calcium channel blockers to more advanced interventions.#DES #DiffuseEsophagealSpasm #EsophagealMotility #CorkscrewEsophagus #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Achalasia, a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and loss of esophageal peristalsis. You’ll learn to recognize key symptoms such as progressive dysphagia to both solids and liquids, regurgitation, and weight loss. We’ll also cover hallmark diagnostic findings—including “bird-beak” appearance on barium swallow and manometry results—and explore treatment options from pneumatic dilation to surgical myotomy.#Achalasia #EsophagealMotility #BirdBeakSign #Dysphagia #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Mallory-Weiss Tear, a mucosal laceration at the gastroesophageal junction caused by forceful retching, vomiting, or coughing. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark features such as hematemesis following repeated vomiting, understand the pathophysiology behind the tear, and review the diagnostic and management approach—including endoscopy and supportive care.#MalloryWeissTear #UpperGIbleed #Hematemesis #EsophagealDisorders #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), a chronic condition caused by reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. You’ll learn hallmark symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chronic cough, recognize alarm features that warrant further workup, and explore diagnostic tools from empiric PPI trials to endoscopy. We’ll also cover management strategies, including lifestyle modification, pharmacologic therapy, and surgical options for refractory disease.#GERD #Heartburn #AcidReflux #EsophagealDisorders #GI101 #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this first episode of GI101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, explores Esophagitis, inflammation of the esophageal lining with causes ranging from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and infections to pill-induced injury and eosinophilic disease. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark symptoms like odynophagia and chest pain, differentiate between common etiologies, and review key diagnostic tools such as endoscopy and biopsy. We’ll also cover evidence-based management strategies tailored to each cause.#GI101 #Esophagitis #GERD #EosinophilicEsophagitis #Odynophagia #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast
In this final episode of the EENT101 series, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, delivers a rapid-fire Flash PANCE Blitz—10 high-yield multiple-choice questions covering essential eye, ear, nose, and throat topics. Test your knowledge, sharpen your recall, and see if you can spot the correct answers before they’re revealed, all while reinforcing key concepts from the entire series. Perfect for last-minute PANCE and PANRE prep.#EENT101 #FlashPANCE #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ENTbasics #ProPAPodcast