Every Wonder What an ACO is?

I have been thinking about writing a blog entry on ACOs for a while now, but then I came across this great Health Affairs blog entry by Ron Klar called ACO 101:The Basics of Accountable Care and thought he did such a great job explaining it an easy-to-read fashion that I'm not going to try to re-invent the wheel.

"But I have come to realize during several recent conferences that most health care practitioners and administrators are more interested in information that is far more basic: just what is “accountable care” and what capabilities are necessary?  For example, when I asked the audience at one national ACO conference I recently spoke at how many had read the proposed rule — not a single paying participant raised their hand." 

-Excerpt from the Blog

The Physical Exam

Earlier this year, I recorded a full physical exam completed by our academic coordinator Rebecca Scott, Ph.D, PA-C and one of my classmates. It is up on YouTube in 3 sections due to the 10 min limit. Below are the links. I know Northeastern starts PA Boot Camp (what they call the 1st week of PA school) next week and having a video of a full PE is helpful. Hope it helps some other first years out!

PE #1
PE #2

PE#3

Student Leadership

Top 6 Ways to Become a Student Leader

1. Become your school’s Assembly of Representative (AOR) Rep

2. Be part of your program's student society

3. Apply for a national task force or work group through SAAAPA

4. Be a member of the AAPA (Knowledge breeds leadership!)

5. Be active in the community and get your classmates involved (PA Week, community service projects, visits/letters to political leaders)

6. Run for a spot on the SAAAPA Board or one of the appointed positions at the national conference

This is not an exhaustive list – just five suggestions to get your started. I truly enjoyed my time as an AOR rep last year and am currently enjoying my position as the Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee Rep. I've had the opportunity to meet with many leaders in our profession as well as work with other student leaders from all over the country. 

Above are links for all of the different positions. In addition, if you have any specific questions about any of the positions - feel free to contact me directly or the student who currently holds that position. We'd be happy to answer your questions!

Pediatric Rotation Resource

I just received my information packet for my first rotation - pediatrics- and as part of the "Preparation for your First Day" section...  The Harriet Lane Handbook 19th Ed. by Tschudy and Arcara was listed as a must-have for the first day. I just received the book in the mail and really like it - so I thought I'd share. It includes pediatric doses as well as many great diagrams and algorithms. It is thick, but could definitely fit in a white coat pocket.

Any other pediatric resource suggestions?

P!nk's Contribution to My PA Student Experience

As I hopped off the T this morning with headphones on and a coffee in hand and began the walk to my Medical Therapeutics final - I was feeling a bit stressed and unprepared. Medical Therapeutics is a class that culminates everything that you learn in PA school. It is a case-based class. You are given some information- you create a problem list and request labs/tests. You are given the test/lab results plus some more information - then you write out what your next step would be. This goes on and on until the final diagnosis and treatment are reached.  We have had cases that ranged from hematology to neurology and everything in between. The case for the exam could have been about anything. I was starting to feel anxious...  And then it happened... the iPod-God spoke to me. As I reached the front door of the building, my iPhone shuffled to Let's Get The Party Started by P!nk. (I never thought P!nk would contribute to my mental well-being as a PA student.) It was a mysterious sign that made me chuckle, but a sign nonetheless. I needed to stop stressing. I was ready to get this party started.

1 hour later: I came. I saw. I conquered. Although I didn't get every possible differential, I did gain an immense amount of confidence because all of the ones that I did come up with were well thought out - and at this point in my career, I am OK with that. Differentials will get better and more inclusive with time and experience. I am just amazed how much we have learned in one year and that in 3 weeks I will using my new skills to see real pint-sized patients.

Now... Only ACLS stands between me and my PA-S2.