Joint Effort PAs
We're two orthopedic surgery physician assistants discussing PA school, life as a PA, cases and topics related to orthopedics, and much more!
Episodes
Being an orthopedic PA means living in the gray.
In this episode, we dive into the ethical dilemmas unique to orthopedic practice — the moments that don’t show up in textbooks but define real-world decision-making. From surgical vs non-operative care, to the blurry areas of patient advocacy, and documentation ethics, we unpack the tough calls ortho PAs face every day.
This episode isn’t about having ...
2025 was… a year.
We’re taking a look back at the moments that defined the year — the wins, the chaos, and the lessons no one teaches you in PA school.
From evolving confidence, our use of AI, and goals going into next year, this episode is an honest recap of what it really looked like to be an Ortho PA in 2025.
If you’re an Ortho PA, a PA student eyeing orthopedics, or anyone trying to survive and grow in medicine with...
In this episode of Joint Effort PAs, we sip wine and break down the real-world insights behind what its really like starting out early on in practice from our favorite hand surgeon. From creating the PA–surgeon partnership , balancing the early grind and work life balance, branding/social media, and more!
Whether you’re a PA, physician, student, or just curious about how we started up, this episode is equal parts pract...
In this episode of Joint Effort PAs, we’re breaking down the most common surgeon personality archetypes you’ll encounter- from the hyper-focused perfectionist to the cowboy, with the help of our OR Nurse guest!
We talk:
- The classic surgeon personality types
- How each type communicates under stress
- What not to take personally
- How PAs, residents, RNs, and staff can adapt their approach to work smarter
This episode is...
Holiday office parties in medicine hit a little different.
One minute you’re talking clinic schedules and call coverage, the next you’re seeing your coworkers in cocktail attire wondering how we all ended up here.
In this episode of Joint Effort PAs, we dive into the unspoken rules, awkward moments, and universally shared chaos of holiday office parties in healthcare. From navigating awkward situations, alcohol de...
Surviving clinical rotations in PA school isn’t for the faint of heart — it’s for the chronically exhausted, over-caffeinated, and wildly determined. In this episode, we break down the highs, lows, and “did that really just happen?” moments of rotations. From navigating pre-rounds and pimp questions to surviving OR etiquette, awkward patient encounters, and the art of pretending you know where supplies are, we’re shar...
Welcome to another episode of ‘why didn’t anyone warn us about this in PA school?’ We’re talking all things awkward patient encounters — the weird comments, the situations you just aren't quite sure how to handle, and the things we wish we could un-see. If you’ve ever kept a straight face while a patient overshared, under-shared, mis-shared, or tried to show you way more than you asked for… same. This episode div...
The holidays are here — which means twinkle lights, family gatherings… and absolute chaos in medicine.
In this episode, we dive into why December feels like the Super Bowl of stress for healthcare workers, from jam-packed clinics and last-minute surgical add-ons to deductible-season madness and patients who show up with their entire family in the exam room.
Whether you’re a new PA, a seasoned provider, or just som...
Ever feel like every rotator cuff tear has its own personality? Some just need a little TLC and a scope… others are galloping straight toward a reverse. In this episode, the Joint Effort PAs saddle up to break down the wild ride from partial tears to cuff tear arthropathy — and when it’s time to trade the suture anchor for a prosthesis. 🤠💀
We’ll cover:
- The biomechanics behind why cuff tears go rogue
- How the reverse...
Student loans, net worth, and figuring out what “compound interest” actually means — we’re talking money! 💸
In this episode, we sit down with our guest, Dr. John, to break down financial literacy for PAs, physicians, and anyone in medicine trying to get their financial life together. From tackling debt and understanding your paycheck, to smart investing, budgeting on a healthcare salary, and protecting your inco...
Ever met a patient who can bend their thumb back to their wrist or pop their shoulder out on command? In this episode of Joint Effort PAs, we dive into the world of hypermobility syndromes — what they actually mean, how to tell when “double-jointed” becomes a problem, and the most common areas we see it affect with focus on the thumb, shoulder, and knee. We’ll talk through evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment approach...
This week on Joint Effort PAs, we’re putting the spotlight on another vital member of the surgical team — the CRNA. 💉 We’re joined by a certified registered nurse anesthetist who shares what it’s really like behind the drape — from her training and scope of practice to how she works alongside PAs, surgeons, and anesthesiologists. We break down the differences and surprising overlaps between the PA and CRNA roles, dis...
In this episode of Joint Effort PAs, we’re breaking down one of the most common questions we get — what’s the real difference between Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs)? From education and training paths to scope of practice, autonomy, and how each role fits into different specialties, we’ll clear up the confusion and share our personal takes from working side-by-side with both. Whether you’re a ...
This week on Joint Effort PAs, we dive into the world of patient reviews — the good, the bad, and the ones that stick with you. We talk about how online feedback shapes our practice, affects our confidence, and influences the way patients see us. From celebrating glowing reviews to handling harsh ones with grace, we share strategies for staying grounded, learning from criticism, and maintaining perspective in a world ...
Ever wonder what really sets successful applicants apart when it comes to landing your dream job as a PA? In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to position yourself for the role you’ve been chasing — from crafting a standout resume and nailing your interview to building professional relationships that actually open doors.
We’ll share our own stories of how we landed our dream positions in orthopedics, the le...
Balancing patient care with personal health is no easy feat—and if you’ve ever struggled to fit in workouts, eat well, or just take care of yourself, you’re not alone. In this episode, we get real about the challenges PAs face in prioritizing their own wellness while working in medicine. From personal stories to practical tips on exercise, nutrition, supplements, sleep, and mental health, we aim to normalize the strug...
In this *vent session*, we open up about those tricky moments in medicine where doing the right thing doesn’t always feel like the popular thing. From navigating tricky topics with patients, to the challenges of giving honest feedback to staff, we dive into the disconnect between expectations and best practice. We reflect on how easily boundaries, professionalism, and good intentions can be misinterpreted as being “me...
In this episode, we flip the script and bring in a surgeon’s voice to the conversation. Beth's supervising physician joins us to share his perspective from 25 years of working alongside PAs. We dive into the qualities he’s found most valuable (and not so much), what it really takes to succeed in this setting, and his best advice for anyone looking to step into the OR team dynamic. Whether you’re a PA, a student, ...
Being a great PA takes more than just knowing the medicine. In this episode, we dive into the traits that make a Physician Assistant stand out—for better and for worse. From red-flag habits that drive colleagues crazy to the qualities that earn trust and respect, we cover it all. Expect real-life stories, honest insights, and a mix of humor and tough love as we break down what it actually means to “not suck” as a PA.
We can't get enough of the OR vibes. Step inside the operating room with us as we share what daily life really looks like behind the sterile drapes. From the little rituals that set the tone for a smooth case, to the pet peeves that can throw off the flow, we’re covering it all. We’ll talk about what’s playing through the speakers , the things that make a surgery day go well, and swap some of our favorite OR stor...
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