Physician Assistant, Finally There: 05.2012

5.30.2012

PANCE REVIEW TOOL

I wanted to share a pretty cool PANCE study tool that was created by a couple of PA-Cs that I met at conference (PANCEMASTER). It is an online bank of questions (1,400) that provide the answers/explanations (unlike the NCCPA practice tests). It allows you to make timed simulated tests as well which is helpful. They have only been around for about 2 years, but they have rec'd nothing but good feedback. In fact, some PA programs have picked it up as a study tool during the year for their students.

The BEST part about this is that bc it is fairly new, it only costs $45 and you can use it until you pass your PANCE.

Basically, 1st years can practice all during their clinical year and only pay the $45 once and 2nd years can use it as a practice test to prep for our upcoming exam.

I am in no way affiliated with them nor do I get anything for promoting them. I just think its a pretty great product. As usual, just spreading the word... check it out for yourself.

FROM THEIR SITE:

Money Back Guarantee.*
Mirrors the NCCPA blueprint.
Written by Physician Assistants who know what material is applicable.
Monitor your performance and identify weaknesses before test day.
Fully customizable study program tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
Timed testing mirrors the layout of the actual PANCE: reduces stress on test day.
Tutor mode allows for immediate feedback on your responses for quick review.

5.24.2012

DrawMD, Free iPad App (Patient Education)

One of my favorite parts of my jobs is educating patients about their medical troubles. Sometimes it is difficult to get the patient to visualize a specific surgery or procedure that you are about to perform. You end up drawing on a piece of paper or a white board (and it never really looks quite right!) DrawMD came out with an incredible app for the iPad. There are several different apps for different specialties such as ortho, OB/GYN, cardiology, general surgery, etc. You can sit with a patient with great pictures... explain the procedure, draw on the picture or add your own notes, and then send a copy to the patient or save it if you often explain the same procedure. The best part about this app is that it is FREE! See below for examples from the DrawMD - Cardiology.

There is a menu of different pics/procedures that are available.

Once you pick a general picture, there are picture "stamps" that you can add to describe procedures or anatomy.

You can draw on the pics for effect.

You can either write or type information on the picture. Then select the "SEND" key on the bottom right.

Options for sending the image.

You may save the final product to your library for future use.

5.20.2012

Patient Education in Orthopedics

Looking for a great way to explain an orthopedic procedure to your patient? Dr. Jonathan Fox and crew, an orthopedic group, have some great videos on their website for hip/shoulder/foot-ankle/knee. They include many different types of surgeries. Visuals are remarkable and very informative. A useful bookmark site if you work in orthopedics or primary care and are tasked with answering patient questions.