Commentary and Observations from
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Welcome to PCE's The Exchange—Stay Current on Issues That Matter Most to You and Your NP/PA Colleagues
PCE is excited to announce the launch of The Exchange, a collection of short commentaries from your NP/PA colleagues on a broad range of topics relevant to your practice. The Exchange will bring you reflections on trends in medicine, observations about new treatments and guidelines, and advice related to career decisions and practicing in today's changing healthcare environment.
An Overview of Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy
Posted By: 
Ylenia A. Quiaoit, DNP, ACNP-BC
July 23, 2021
Non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) carries a significant risk of malignant arrhythmias, thromboembolic events, and left ventricular dysfunction. This post provides an overview of the characteristics, diagnosis, and management of this type of cardiomyopathy.
What is NCCM?
NCCM is characterized by the existence of prominent and significant myocardial trabeculations; it has also been referred to as spongy myocardium, spongiform cardiomyopathy, or persisting myocardial si... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Infiltrative Diseases of the Heart: A Brief Overview
Posted By: Ylenia A. Quiaoit, DNP, ACNP-BC
July 20, 2021
Infiltrative diseases affecting the heart muscle and function are lesser-known causes of heart failure but are considered major etiologies of cardiomyopathie... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
What to Do With Patients who Report Allergic Symptoms Following the First Dose of an mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine
Posted By: 
Amanda Michaud, MMS, PA-C
July 16, 2021
A major concern to public health officials is incomplete vaccination with the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series. One reason for incomplete vaccination is if patie... Continue Reading
Filed under: Allergy/Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Preventive Medicine
The PA Profession Wants to Change Its Name
Posted By: 
Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
July 13, 2021
In May 2021, on a vote of 198 for and 68 against, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) House of Delegates (HOD) passed a resolution to change... Continue Reading
Filed under: NPs & PAs, Practice Management/Career
A New Biologic on the Horizon for Severe Asthma
Posted By: Amanda Michaud, MMS, PA-C
July 09, 2021
There are currently 5 available monoclonal antibody treatments for patients with moderate to severe asthma, all of which target immunoglobulin E (IgE) or typ... Continue Reading
Filed under: Allergy/Immunology, Pulmonary Medicine
Leveraging Telehealth to Improve Access to Healthcare
Posted By: 
Heather M. Hylton, MS, PA-C
July 02, 2021
While strides have been made in the overall expansion of (and reimbursement coverage for) telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, there continue to... Continue Reading
Filed under: Health Policy and Trends, Practice Management/Career
Wellness-Centered Leadership – Why it Matters
Posted By: Heather M. Hylton, MS, PA-C
June 29, 2021
A paper recently published by Shanafelt et al titled: "Wellness-Centered Leadership: Equipping Health Care Leaders to Cultivate Physician Well-Being and Prof... Continue Reading
Filed under: NPs & PAs, Practice Management/Career
Wrinkles in Time: Photoaging
Posted By: 
Kristine Kucera, PA-C, MPAS, DHS
June 22, 2021
As I enjoy my vacation in sunny Cabo San Lucas, sitting under my umbrella covered in sunscreen and SPF clothing, I am reminded of how much the sun can damage... Continue Reading
Filed under: Dermatology
Encouraging Self-Exams for Early Detection of Skin Cancer
Posted By: Kristine Kucera, PA-C, MPAS, DHS
June 18, 2021
With the beginning of warmer weather and more time outdoors, it is the perfect time to begin reminding patients about the importance of sun protection and sk... Continue Reading
Filed under: Dermatology, Oncology/Hematology
A Free Algorithm Program to Scan Big Data for Chronic Kidney Disease
Posted By: 
Lawrence Herman, DMSc, MPA, PA-C
June 15, 2021
A team at Columbia University Medical Center in New York has developed and validated a free software algorithm that can scan an electronic medical record (EM... Continue Reading
Filed under: Preventive Medicine, Public Health