Physician Assistant
Resume:
Philadelphia, PA *****
*************@*****.***
Althea White, MMSPA, PA-C
EDUCATION
The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University — Master of Arts in Urban Bioethics (in progress)
August 2017 - August 2021 (expected), Philadelphia, PA
The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University — Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies
June 2016 - March 2019, Philadelphia, PA
Capstone Project: Occam’s Razor and Addressing Cardiovascular Health Disparities in African American Women: A Mixed-Methods Scoping Review
Fairleigh Dickinson University — Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies-Science
August 2015 - December 2016, Teaneck, NJ
The City University of New York-Hunter College — Biochemistry
August 2012 - May 2013, New York, NY
The City University of New York, Queen’s College — Biology
August 2011 - May 2012, Flushing, NY
The Pennsylvania State University — Kinesiology: Movement Science
August 1998 - December 2001, State College, PA
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Core Competencies
Through the following clerkships, I gained proficiency in the following: completing full histories and physical exams; completing focused histories and physical exams; orally presenting patients to preceptors; interpreting laboratory, radiologic, and special studies; formulating appropriate differential diagnosis, and establishing the appropriate diagnosis; formulating an appropriate treatment plan including pharmacologic therapies, non-pharmacologic interventions, and appropriate referrals to necessary specialities; documenting medical data within the patient’s electronic medical record, or paper chart; providing patients with appropriate health counseling. I was able to refine my previous work experiences in order to provide high quality, compassionate medical care while working as part of a team of varied health care professionals, and students.
Surgery — Temple University Hospital: Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Service
My time in the operating room was spent assisting the surgical team with patient transport, preparing the patient for the procedure, and scrubbing into procedures at least twice per week. I assisted in elective and semi-elective laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted procedures with the Da Vinci surgical system. Other responsibilities included examining and following patients for procedures I scrubbed on, assisting the team in following all patients, and assisting with accessing consults. Additionally, on-call shifts provided exposure to open and laparoscopic procedures, and consulting a variety of patients considered for surgical intervention. By the end of this clerkship, I became proficient in: proper operating room conduct and procedures; inserting and removing a foley catheter; placing a peripheral intravenous line; placing a nasogastric tube; setting up the Da Vinci surgical system; primary wound closure including suturing, stapling, and surgical bioadhesive; proper wound care including wound vacuum placement, and take down; bedside abscess incision and drainage.
Women’s Health — Temple University Health System
●Temple University Hospital: Labor and Delivery, Midwifery, Outpatient Care
Time at this location was spent primarily in labor and delivery with physicians, nurse practitioners, and a midwife caring for peripartum and postpartum patients. Care provided included: assessing progression labor; reviewing fetal heart rate tracings; assessing for labor complications including preeclampsia; working with the neonatal team to assess the infant; providing counseling and support for breastfeeding; counseling postpartum mothers on wound care including for cesarean sections. I was also fortunate to have participated with cesarean sections, and vaginal deliveries. This location also provided for exposure in the outpatient clinic setting.
●Temple Physicians at Episcopal Hospital and Temple Physicians Northeastern: Outpatient Care
Outpatient office settings provided learning opportunities for the full spectrum of women’s health. I had exposure to in-office procedures such as: endometrial biopsy; intrauterine device placement, and removal; Norplant placement, and removal; colposcopy. I gained proficiency in: performing a complete woman’s exam including pelvic and bimanual examinations, and breast exam; performing a Pap smear; setting up vaginal wet smears, and assessing under light microscopy; sexually transmitted infection testing; performing appropriate prenatal exams, including assessing fetal heart tones, and providing counseling; providing appropriate birth control counseling; administering Depo-Provera injections; providing counseling for appropriate health screenings.
●Jeanes Hospital: Gynecologic Surgery
Elective surgical interventions I assisted in includes: total abdominal hysterectomy; bilateral hysterosalpingo-oophorectomy; hysterosalpingoscopy; endometrial biopsy; intrauterine device removal; dilation and curettage. In addition to assisting during these procedures, I was also responsible for assisting in transporting, and preparing the patient for surgery which included placing a foley catheter.
Otolaryngology Elective — Temple University Health System
●The Head and Neck Institute at Temple University: Outpatient Care
My time here was spent with the physician assistant, and multiple attending physicians in all otolaryngology subspecialties. My primary responsibilities included: performing focused histories and physical exams; assessing audiograms and tympanograms; setting up the clinician for in-office procedures; preparing the patient for in-office procedures; postoperative wound care and suture removal; aural foreign body extraction. I had additional exposure to: fiberoptic nasal laryngoscopy, canalith repositioning maneuvers; administration of vocal fold injections.
●Temple University Hospital: In-patient Care, Consults, Surgery
This in-patient setting provided for daily opportunity to participate in elective and semi-elective surgical procedures where I assisted with: patient transport; preparing the patient for the procedure; post-operative wound care. I also assisted the otolaryngology team with: consults; wound care including dressing changes; tracheostomy care including tube changes. Surgical procedures I participated in included all otolaryngology subspecialties including: mastoidectomy; tympanomastoidectomy; tympanostomy tube placement; direct laryngoscopy; awake tracheostomy; cricothyroidotomy; laryngeal mass excision; neck abscess debridement; rhinoplasty; septoplasty; nasal mass excision.
●Fox Chase Cancer Center: Outpatient Care, In-patient Care, Surgery
At this location, I gained exposure to surgical treatment of head and neck cancers. In the outpatient office, I was responsible for: taking histories and performing physical exams for pre- and post-operative patients; setting up the clinician for fiberoptic laryngoscopy; and post-operative wound care. In-patient responsibilities included: post-operative wound care; tracheostomy tube care; consulting with appropriate specialists. Surgical responsibilities included: patient transport; preparing the patient for the procedure; assisting the surgeon during the procedure.
●Temple Physicians at Jeanes Hospital: Surgery, Outpatient Care
At this location, I worked primarily under the otologists and rhinologist. In addition to the previously mentioned outpatient responsibilities, I gained proficiency in: performing a full head and neck physical examination; extraction of aural foreign bodies; interpreting audiograms, and tympanograms. I was also able to perform several fiberoptic nasal laryngoscopies. Surgical responsibilities are noted above.
●Temple Physicians at Meadowbrook: Outpatient and Surgical Pediatric Otolaryngology
My experience here was similar to previously noted outpatient and surgical sites, with the exception of caring for the pediatric population. The outpatient clinic allowed me to become proficient in: assessing pediatric head, and neck structures; removing aural, and nasal foreign bodies; and . Time spent in the operating room was largely devoted to tympanostomy tube placement, but I also participated in a branchial cleft cyst removal.
Emergency Medicine — Temple University Health System: Episcopal Hospital
My time in this emergency department allowed me to see a wide variety of patients from low acuity to critical traumas, and patients of all ages. This experience allowed me to gain proficiency in: casting and splinting; wound closure with staples, sutures, and bioadhesives; administration of local anesthetics; wound care including dressing changes, staple and suture removal; venipuncture, phlebotomy, and initiation of intravenous fluids; bedside abscess incision and drainage; gynecologic pelvic and bimanual exams, vaginal swab, and wet mount; hemoccult testing; sexually transmitted infection testing; ECG interpretation; treating alcohol, and illicit drug intoxication, and overdose. When running ACLS, I assisted with: the general survey; chest compressions; ventilation; pulse checks. I also gained experience in: transporting critically ill patients; use of ultrasound for the FAST exam, placing a central line, confirmation of intrauterine pregnancy, evaluation of gallstones, assessing for cardiac activity; assessing and treating complications of pregnancy including preeclampsia, preterm labor, and placenta previa; performing Rapid Strep throat swab.
Pediatrics — Temple University Health System
●Temple University Hospital: Pediatric Emergency Department, Well Baby Nursery, Infant Intensive Care Nursery
This site provided me outpatient experiences in the pediatric emergency department, and in-patient experiences in the well baby nursery and infant intensive care nursery. Patients seen in the pediatric emergency department were under 18-years-old with low acuity, non-trauma complaints. This setting allowed me to gain proficiency in: casting and splinting; aural and nasal foreign body removal; identification and treatment of a variety of dermatologic conditions including viral exanthems, impetigo, and tinea infections; hemoccult testing; sexually transmitted infection testing; performing Rapid Strep swab. While in the well baby nursery, I was responsible for performing newborn physical exams, assisting with APGAR exams, and assisting the labor and delivery team with providing appropriate counseling to mothers. I also shadowed lactation consultants, and observed several circumcisions.
●Temple Pediatric Care Clinic and Temple Physicians at Hunting Park: Outpatient
These outpatient sites provided care for pediatric patients from neonates to adolescents. My responsibilities included: performing age-appropriate physical exams, and taking an appropriate history; determining appropriate management for acute and chronic conditions; and providing appropriate anticipatory guidance. I also gained experience administering vaccinations, and performing venipuncture.
Internal Medicine — Temple University Health System: Jeanes Hospital
Four weeks of this clerkship was spent following adult and geriatric patients admitted to the hospital. I became proficient in managing the medical needs of patients with acute, chronic, and acute on chronic conditions including: cerebrovascular accident and transient ischemic stroke; myocardial infarction; new onset and acute exacerbation of heart failure; deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; new onset atrial fibrillation; pneumonia; new onset and acute exacerbation of asthma; rhabdomyolysis; diverticulitis; acute and chronic renal failure; endocarditis; tubo-ovarian abscess; and substance abuse, and withdrawal. One week of this clerkship was spent in the intensive care unit where I gained experience performing: PICC line placements and removals; nasogastric tube placements and removals; and wound care. I also gained experience managing patients with: respiratory failure; diabetic ketoacidosis; acute adrenal insufficiency; acid-base disorders; septic shock; and human immunodeficiency virus infection.
Cardiology Elective — Temple University Health System
●The Heart and Vascular Institute at Temple University: Outpatient
This office setting allowed me to gain proficiency in: electrocardiogram interpretation; transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiogram interpretation; and managing patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, and heart failure; cardiac valve diseases; cardiac dysrhythmias; cerebrovascular diseases; kidney diseases; and peripheral vascular diseases. I also gained experience in: Holter monitor interrogation and interpretation; assessing patients seeking medical clearance for: sports/physical activity participation; elective surgery; and organ transplant.
●Temple University Hospital: In-patient Care-Consults, Electrophysiology Lab, Cardiac Catheterization Lab
At this site, I gained experience in: cardiac catheterization procedures; cardiac electrophysiology procedures including pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and accessory pathway ablation; surgical and medical management of peripheral vascular disease; and managing patients with acute exacerbations of the above mentioned conditions.
●Temple Cardiology Chestnut Hill: Outpatient Care
This location provided similar experiences to that of The Heart and Vascular Institute at Temple University, with an emphasis on electrocardiogram and echocardiogram interpretation.
Behavioral Health — Temple University Health System
●Episcopal Hospital: In-patient Extended Acute, Crisis Response Center
Primary responsibilities at this in-patient site included: managing patients with chronic mental health conditions; appropriate management of medical comorbidities; and assessing patients with acute mental health conditions including mania, substance abuse and withdrawal, and suicidal and homicidal threats.
●Children’s Crisis Treatment Center: Pediatric Outpatient
Primary responsibilities at this outpatient site included: completing pediatric mental status examinations; assisting with implementing and adjusting treatment plans; assisting classroom staff with activities; and attending parent-clinician meetings.
Family Medicine — Temple Physicians at Hunting Park
I was responsible for managing the care of adult and geriatric patients with the following conditions: cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, heart failure, chronic deep vein thrombosis, angina, and arrhythmias; asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; diabetes mellitus; gastroesophageal reflux disease; irritable bowel disease; systemic lupus erythematosus; mental health conditions including major depressive disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse/withdrawal; neurological conditions including Bell’s palsy, dementia, chronic headache, and vertigo; and infectious conditions including tuberculosis, tinea, human immunodeficiency virus, influenza, bronchitis, and sinusitis. I gained proficiency in performing hemoccult testing, finger stick glucose testing, dipstick urinalysis, electrocardiograms, venipuncture, and intramuscular injections.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Excel Physical Therapy, Fort Lee, NJ — Physical Therapy Aide
September 2015 - May 2016
Primary responsibilities included assisting patients in completing rehabilitation programs, assisting physical therapists with patient transfers, facility and equipment maintenance.
The Trinity School, New York, NY — Girls’ Lacrosse Coach
February 2013 - May 2016
I was the Assistant Varsity and Head Junior Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Coach, and was responsible for leading practices, assisting with in-game strategy, and implementing team fitness plans.
The Plan, Web-Based — Health Coach and Sports Nutritionist
September 2013 - May 2016
Health Coach and Sports Nutritionist for the Team Plan Group Weight Loss Program, and clients with individual programs. Personalized guidance based on individual goals was provided via daily emails, phone calls, and webinars. I was also the moderator for the client Facebook group.
Brant Lake Sports Academy, Brant Lake, NY — Head Coach and Group Exercise Instructor
July 2011 - August 2015
My primary obligations include: designing and teaching group exercise classes for
campers, leading lacrosse lessons, and officiating. I also serve as part of the leadership
team by assisting in recruiting campers. Additionally I aid with head counselor duties
which includes planning a variety of activities for campers, and administrative work.
Self-Employed, New York, NY — Personal Trainer
June 2010 - July 2013
I was responsible for designing and implementing personalized fitness programs for clientele which included children/adolescents, pre/post-natal, pre/post-rehabilitative, athletic performance, and older adults.
Reebok Sports Club/NY, New York, NY — Exercise Specialist
June 2005 - July 2010
In the five years I worked for this company, I held the positions of Private Trainer,
Integrated Fitness Trainer (IFT), Advantage Trainer, and Assistant Fitness Manager. I was
also a Peer Mentor, and the instructor for IFT and team member orientation. These
positions were in addition to my primary responsibility of working individually with
clientele to build effective fitness programs.
CERTIFICATIONS
American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support June 2017-present
Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants April 2019-present
National Academy of Sports Medicine Youth Exercise Specialist May 2013-present
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Academy of Physician Assistants August 2016-present
Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants August 2016-present
PAs of African Heritage Caucus January 2017-present
PAs for Tomorrow January 2017-present
Physicians for a National Health Program January 2017-present
Student Academy of Physician Assistants-Temple University Chapter August 2016-March 2019
Students for a National Health Program January 2017-May 2019
Student National Medical Association August 2016-March 2019
US Lacrosse June 2006-present
SKILLS
Intermediate Conversational Spanish
EMR: Epic, Sorian, PACS
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
Chrome OS, Windows, iOS
LEADERSHIP
PAs of African Heritage Caucus Student Representative May 2018-May 2019
Racism in Medicine Conference Inter-School Planning Committee December 2017-November 2018
Students for a National Health Program National Education and Outreach Team Co-Chair March 2018-March 2019
Students for a National Health Program Temple Chapter Co-Chair January 2018-January 2019
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
PA Day Health Screenings October 2016
MLK Day of Service January 2017
Lewis Katz School of Medicine Health Careers Exploration Day December 2017
Temple Student National Medical Association Panelist November 2017
Muna Convention Health Fair Volunteer July 2019
INTERESTS
Fitness, Nutrition, Lacrosse, College Football, Camping
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