Close a Forehead Laceration Like a Plastic Surgeon

By Jen Swisher, PA-C
on April 16, 2024

The importance of multilayer closure in a laceration repair cannot be overstated, with techniques like buried dermal closure and strategic skin closure options enhancing both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Dr. Justin Cohen made a guest appearance on ERcast, where he joined Dr. Christina Shenvi to discuss his techniques for repairing facial lacerations as a plastic surgeon. He went into great detail about repairing deep forehead lacerations in the emergency department, and here are some of the techniques he discussed.

Skin Deep: Selecting Suture Material for the Skin Surface

By Jen Swisher, PA-C
on April 08, 2024

The choice between absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials for skin closure hinges on various factors, including patient comfort, follow-up availability, and ease of removal. During a recent appearance on ERcast, Dr. Justin Cohen discussed his plastic surgery approach to repairing facial lacerations with Dr. Christina Shenvi. Here are some key takeaways from Dr. Cohen for selecting suture material for closing the skin surface:

April Showers Bring May Flowers… and Allergies!

By Katy Vogelaar, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CNE
on April 05, 2024

Spring is one of the worst seasons for seasonal allergy sufferers. Patients with seasonal allergies will commonly complain of runny noses, congestion, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing. However, a chronic cough and sinusitis can also be caused by allergies. 

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: More Than Just Blocked Ears

By Sarah Warren, PA-C
on April 04, 2024

Last month, while editing an audio segment for Urgent Care RAP on eustachian tube dysfunction, I learned about a medical condition I had NEVER heard of. Not only was it new to me, but it also immediately ascended to my list of greatest fears, ranking in third place just below waking up with a spider in my mouth. 

Testosterone Therapy for Women: What Does the Evidence Say?

By Suzette Iverson, PA-C
on April 01, 2024

The buzz around hormone therapy for cisgender women is undeniable, with a surge of interest in testosterone. Big shoutout to Emilie, one of our astute RAP listeners, for spotlighting this topic! (Psst, you can also listen to us unpack this further on Primary Care RAP’s April episode).

Introducing Hippo Education’s Latest Course: Urgent Care Peds Bootcamp

By Jackie McDevitt-Capetola, PA-C
on March 27, 2024

Whether you’re fresh out of your medical program or a seasoned urgent care veteran, the moment a child steps through those doors, the stakes feel different. Does deciphering pediatric ECGs and plain films feel like decoding a complex puzzle? You’re not alone. That’s why, in partnership with Urgent Care Association, Hippo Education designed the Urgent Care Peds Bootcamp, your go-to video course for enhancing your pediatric care skills in urgent care settings. Created by a team of pediatric emergency medicine doctors and board-certified pediatricians, this course bridges the gap between pediatric expertise and the fast-paced world of urgent care, so you’re prepared for whatever comes through your doors.

The Secret Weapon Against Button Battery Dangers

By Kaitlyn Almeida, PA-C
on March 21, 2024

As an urgent care PA and a mom, there isn’t much that scares me. My kid could eat a fistful of dirt, and I wouldn’t bat an eye. But there is one thing that makes me jump faster than a small child standing next to my bed at 4 am telling me they have a tummy ache…button batteries.  

Urgent Care Clinical Readiness Assessment is here!

By Jackie McDevitt-Capetola, PA-C
on March 20, 2024

How do we know if we (or our new-hire clinicians) are ready to practice urgent care medicine independently? Did you recently graduate from school or switch from another field of medicine, or are you in charge of hiring these new clinicians? The Urgent Care Clinical Readiness Assessment is the answer.  

Level Up Your PANRE-LA Prep

By Katie Iverson, PA-C, MPAS
on March 18, 2024

Welcome, fellow PAs, to the PANRE-LA journey; whether you are about to start quarter six or quarter 2, we are all in this together. I am about to begin my 6th quarter and wanted to share some tips and tricks learned over the past five quarters that can help you succeed.