Joint Effort PAs

Send us Fan MailSome injuries you can watch, rehab, and recheck… and then there are the ones you absolutely cannot afford to miss.This week on Joint Effort PAs, we’re breaking down the big tendon injuries that should immediately be on your radar—because missing them can mean permanent dysfunction, tough recoveries, and unhappy patients 👀We’re covering:💥 Distal biceps ruptures 💥 Achilles tendon tears 💥 Pec tendon ruptures (gym injuries you need to recognize fast)💥 Quad & patellar tendon injuries (don’t ignore that extensor mechanism)💥 Flexor tendon injuries (small wound, big consequences)We walk through how they present, what exam findings you can’t ignore, and when to act FASTIf you’ve ever second-guessed a tendon exam or worried about missing something big… this one’s for you.🎧 Tune in, level up your exam skills, and make sure these are injuries you never miss.#JointEffortPAs #Ortho #SportsMedicine #TendonInjury #CantMiss #PAlife

Send us Fan MailJust a little weekly life update from your favorite ortho chaos coordinators. In this episode, we’re recapping how things have been growing on the podcast (👀 we see you guys), and outside of it!We’re also getting into our own professional goals—where we want to grow, what we’re working toward behind the scenes, and the opportunities we’re starting to explore. Because turns out… building a career and a brand at the same time is a lot.

Send us Fan MailRunning late? Groundbreaking. We know.In this episode, we’re diving into the real reasons your PA is behind.Between double-booked schedules, “quick” visits that turn into anything but, insurance hoops, add-on patients, and trying to actually give time to the person in front of us… yeah, things stack up. Fast.We talk about the pressure to move quicker, see more, do more—and somehow still be the perfect, attentive provider every single time. It’s the fine art of running behind while doing the absolute most.So if you’ve ever wondered what’s going on behind that closed exam room door… this is your answer.Spoiler: we’re trying. A lot.

Send us Fan Mail"Why doesn’t this feel as exciting as it used to?”In this episode of Joint Effort PAs, we’re getting real about something not talked about enough—losing the fire in your career. The feeling of stagnation, going through the motions, and wondering if this is just what practice becomes after a few years.We dive into what this actually looks like day-to-day—less excitement, feeling stuck in routine clinic flow, questioning growth, and the pressure of balancing productivity with passion.But more importantly, we talk about the fix. How to recognize when you’re in a rut, ways to reignite your interest (without blowing up your career), and how to create growth through new skills, procedures, side ventures, and mindset shifts.Because the goal isn’t to never lose the fire… It’s knowing how to find it again 🔥

Send us Fan MailYou know that feeling when a case just hits… and suddenly you’re thinking about it all the time? Yeah—this episode is about those procedures 😅In this episode of Joint Effort PAs, Beth and Hannah dive into their current ortho crushes—the procedures they’ve been working on with their surgeons that have them fully invested, slightly obsessed, and maybe talking about them a little too much outside of work 👀From innovative techniques to evolving technology, we break down what makes these procedures so exciting right now: 🦵 MISHA (yes, we’re still thinking about it) 👍 Biopro thumb CMC implant (we’re definitely thinking about it)We talk through what these procedures are, why they’re gaining traction, what makes them different, and why they’ve completely captured our attention as PAs in ortho.Because let’s be honest—some cases aren’t just cases… they’re full-on crushes 💅🎧 Whether you’re in ortho or just love hearing the passion behind what we do, this one’s for you

Send us Fan MailMarch is Athletic Training Month, and we’re highlighting one of the most essential—and often underrecognized—members of the orthopedic care team: the certified athletic trainer (ATC).In this episode, we sit down with an ATC to break down their role across settings—from sidelines to clinic settings. We discuss injury evaluation, acute management, rehabilitation, and how ATCs work alongside PAs and surgeons to optimize patient outcomes.We also explore career pathways, challenges within the profession, and how athletic trainers continue to evolve within modern healthcare systems.If you’ve ever wondered what ATCs really do (beyond tape and ice), this episode is for you.

Send us Fan MailBracket busters, buzzer beaters… and a lot of orthopedic injuries.In this episode of Joint Effort PAs, we break down the most common injuries seen during basketball season and March Madness—from the classic ankle sprain to the biggest season ending injuries we've all seen.We dive into how these happen, how they are managed, and thoughts from the ortho PA perspective.Whether you’re watching the tournament, working the sidelines, or seeing these injuries in clinic, this episode gives you the orthopedic perspective behind the madness.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Joint Effort PAs, we’re talking about the cases that keep orthopedic providers up at night—starting with the big one: joint infections.From septic joints to postoperative infections -we break down the clinical red flags that make your stomach drop and the decision points that matter most. We also talk through the real-life scenarios that every ortho PA eventually encounters: the “angry joint” that might be more than gout, or the patient message about redness around an incision.Along the way we share clinical pearls, common pitfalls, and the mental side of practicing medicine—how experience shapes your instincts, when to trust your gut, and why some cases stick with you long after clinic ends.Whether you're an orthopedic PA, student, ATC, or just love hearing how clinicians think through tough cases, this episode dives into the infections and complications we never want to miss.

Send us Fan Mail6 years ago, the world stopped—and so did elective orthopedics.In this episode of Joint Effort PAs, we take a look back at the early days of the COVID shutdown and how it changed life inside an outpatient orthopedic practice. From empty OR schedules and canceled surgeries to the sudden rise of telemedicine, we talk about what it was like when one of the busiest specialties in medicine suddenly went quiet.Hannah also shares what it was like being in PA school during the pandemic, navigating disrupted clinical rotations, uncertain training experiences, and learning medicine during one of the most unpredictable times in modern healthcare.We discuss:What the shutdown actually looked like inside an ortho clinicHow patient care changed overnightThe strange realities of pandemic medicineHow COVID impacted surgical training and PA educationWhat parts of healthcare changed permanentlyFive years later, we’re reflecting on the lessons, the challenges, and the strange moments we’ll never forget.Because if there’s one thing orthopedics knows—when things break, we figure out how to fix them.

Send us Fan MailWe’ve heard it all.“Typing causes carpal tunnel.” “Steroid injections destroy your joints.” “PA school is the easy route.” “Lifting weights ruins your knees.”In this episode, we’re opening the files and breaking down what’s actually true — and what needs to be retired permanently.Expect evidence, real clinic stories, and a little myth-busting energy.Because ortho deserves better than internet folklore.

Send us Fan MailIn orthopedics, high standards are the norm. We pride ourselves on being efficient, reliable, and unshakeable. But what happens when that drive quietly turns into self-sacrifice? In this episode of Joint Effort PAs, we unpack the unspoken martyr complex that so many high-performing orthopedic PAs carry. The pressure to never complain. The instinct to fix everything ourselves. The fear that asking for help makes us look weak, ungrateful, or replaceable. 

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the Ortho PA Game Show 🎙️🦴In this episode, we put each other in the hot seat with rapid-fire “this or that,” would-you-rather scenarios, and the ultimate ortho pet peeve questions. From clinic vs OR debates to what irritates us more (no supplies in the room or an unprepared scrub tech?), we’re picking sides and explaining why.It’s competitive. It’s honest. It’s slightly chaotic.If you’ve ever wondered what your favorite ortho PAs really think behind the scenes — this one’s for you.

Send us Fan MailPhysician Assistants in orthopedics carry significant responsibility for patient care—from clinic evaluations to the operating room and postoperative recovery. Yet many PAs experience burnout not from the work itself, but from feeling unheard at an administrative level.In this episode, we discuss the frustration of being trusted with outcomes while facing pushback and lack of advocacy within healthcare systems. We explore how this disconnect affects morale, retention, and how to recognize and address it. 

Send us Fan MailWe’re recapping our week in orthopedics and diving into the conversations and curiosities that naturally came up along the way — from clinic cases and patient questions to career reflections, tangents, and the real-life stuff that exists outside the exam room. Think of this as a “rounds-style” debrief with a human twist: unscripted, honest, and conversational.If you like behind-the-scenes ortho talk, practical pearls, and the occasional philosophical detour, this one’s for you.

Send us Fan MailIt's time to level up! We're pushing the boundaries this year in every way possible, scheduling, volume, our sanity, etc. We are also plunging into the world of regenerative medicine. This week, join us as we brush the surface level of how we are working to offer non traditional methods to augment our orthopedic care plans, taking things to the next level! 

Send us Fan MailPA school will teach you a lot… including what not to tolerate while dating.We’re breaking down what dating really looks like during PA school.We cover:Dating classmates (pros, cons, and hard no’s)Dating outside of medicineWhen dating becomes a distraction vs a supportTime constraints, burnout, and emotional availabilityIf you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I even have time to date?” — this episode is for you.

Send us Fan MailBeing 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 perfect answers — it’s about asking the right questions, protecting your patients, and protecting yourself as a PA in a high-stakes specialty.Whether you’re a PA student, new grad, or seasoned ortho PA, this one will feel uncomfortably familiar — in the best way.

Send us Fan Mail2025 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 without losing yourself in the process — this one’s for you.No sugarcoating. No highlight-reel only recap. Just a real year, wrapped. Grab a tequila soda and join us!

Send us Fan MailIn 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 practical, honest, and a little bit fun.Pour a glass and join us 🍷🖐️

Send us Fan MailIn 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 typesHow each type communicates under stressWhat not to take personallyHow PAs, residents, RNs, and staff can adapt their approach to work smarter This episode is equal parts humor, insight, and survival guide, with real stories, gentle roasting, and practical tips to help you navigate strong personalities without losing your sanity (or your confidence).Whether you’re in PA school, early in practice, or a seasoned OR veteran — you’ll definitely recognize someone in this episode 👀

Send us Fan MailHoliday 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 decisions, and work talk you can’t escape—while trying to figure out how to survive these events with our professionalism (mostly) intact.Whether you love them, tolerate them, or mentally RSVP “no,” this episode is for anyone who’s ever thought: I still have to work with these people on Monday.🎧 Listen now and tell us—what’s your best (or worst) holiday office party story?

Send us Fan MailSurviving 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 sharing the tips we wish someone told us. Whether you’re starting your first rotation or crawling toward graduation, this one will help you laugh, learn, and remember you’re not alone in the chaos! 

Send us Fan MailWelcome 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 dives into our best awkward encounters and what they taught us (besides controlling our facial expressions).

Send us Fan MailThe 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 someone trying to stay sane during the most chaotic time of the year, this episode is your permission slip to breathe, laugh, and let go of holiday guilt.Pour some *spiked* eggnog, hang the ornament, and let’s get through this season together — one Joint Effort at a time.

Send us Fan MailEver 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 rogueHow the reverse shoulder lets the deltoid save the dayPearls for deciding who gets a repair vs. who’s due for a reverseHow to explain it all to patients without their eyes glazing overSo tighten your stirrups and grab your lasso — we’re wrangling the supraspinatus and chasing down the truth about the shoulder’s most dramatic pathology.

Send us Fan MailStudent 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 income — we cover it all.Whether you’re a new grad drowning in loans or a seasoned provider still trying to decode your 401(k), this episode is full of practical advice, personal insights, and a few hard truths about money in medicine.Grab your coffee (and a calculator) — it’s time to get financially fit.

Send us Fan MailEver 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 approaches, share real-world clinical experiences, and highlight key pearls (and pitfalls) for managing these flexible but often frustrating joints.Whether you’re a provider, a patient, or just curious about what being “too bendy” really entails, this episode breaks it down with practical insight— Joint Effort style.

Send us Fan MailThis 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, discuss patient care from both sides of the table, and talk teamwork in the OR.🎧 Tune in for an honest & informative conversation that proves one thing: different roles, same team.

Send us Fan MailIn 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 pre-PA or pre-NP student, a patient curious about your provider’s role, or just love a good medical deep dive, this one’s for you.

Send us Fan MailThis 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 where everyone has a platform.✨ Tune in for real talk, reflection, and a little humor about the impact of those five little stars.

Send us Fan MailEver 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 lessons we learned along the way, and the red flags we wish we’d known earlier. Whether you’re a new grad searching for your first job or a seasoned PA looking to make a move, this episode will give you the tools, mindset, and confidence to make it happen.Grab your coffee, open your steno notebook, and get ready to take the next step toward your dream career.

Send us Fan MailBalancing 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 struggle and share strategies that actually work. This is about helping you feel heard, supported, and equipped with tools to stay strong and healthy—both for your patients and yourself!

Send us Fan MailIn 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 “mean” — and ask the real question: are we crazy, or are we the a**hole?

Send us Fan MailIn 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, or just curious about the surgeon-PA relationship, this one is packed with insights from the other side of the table.

Send us Fan MailBeing 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.

Send us Fan MailWe 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 stories. Whether you’re a provider, student, or just curious what happens in the hidden world of the OR, this episode gives you a candid look at the quirks, chaos, and moments that keep us coming back.

Send us Fan Mail👟💉 Ever wonder what it’s really like to walk a week in the life of an ortho PA?In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our daily grind—early mornings, packed OR schedules, clinic chaos, and the small moments that keep us going. From scrubbing in to scrubbing out, we share the highs, lows, and everything in between.Whether you’re a pre-PA student, a fellow healthcare provider, or just curious what life looks like in scrubs, this one’s for you.🎙️ Tune in for real talk, a few laughs, and some honest reflections. 

Send us Fan MailEpisode 2 – The Team Player 🎧Being a PA means more than diagnosing, treating, and assisting in the OR — it’s about building trust, fostering collaboration, and making the team stronger for both patients and providers.In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to be a team player in medicine:How to create genuine connections with patients and earn their trustThe keys to a strong PA/Doctor partnershipReal stories of teamwork in action (and lessons learned along the way)Whether you’re a PA student, a new grad, or just curious about how the provider team works behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and honest advice from our own experiences in orthopedics and sports medicine.🎙 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!#physicianassistant #PAlife #teamplayer #medicalpodcast #orthopedics #sportsmedicine

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the very first episode of Joint Effort PAs – a podcast by two female orthopedic surgery PAs bringing real talk, relatable experiences, and practical insights from inside the world of medicine.In this intro episode, we’re pulling back the curtain to share who we are, how we ended up in ortho, what our day-to-day looks like, and what inspired us to start this podcast. We’ll talk about:Our backgrounds and career pathsThe highs and lows of orthopedic surgery PA lifeWhat we’re passionate about professionally (and personally)What you can expect from future episodes — from PA school and career tips, to finances, specialty pros/cons, interprofessional dynamics, and moreWhether you're a current or aspiring PA, a fellow healthcare pro, or just curious about life in scrubs, we’re glad you’re here. This is where we keep it honest, educational, and a little bit fun.Follow along and let’s make it a joint effort.