Carol Branka
Chicago,IL
Summary
Accomplished Orthopedic and Urology Physician Assistant with a proven track record at Ascension Healthcare-St Francis Hospital, adept in patient management and surgical assistance. Excelled in diagnosing conditions and enhancing patient satisfaction through empathetic communication. Skilled in interpreting diagnostic tests and implementing effective treatment plans.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Orthopedic and Urology Physician Assistant
Ascension Healthcare-St Francis Hospital
03.1993 - Current
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic testing to confirm diagnosis and implement accurate treatment plans.
- Conducted physical examinations to assess patients' health and current condition for optimal treatment.
- Exhibited excellent problem-solving skills when encountering complex medical cases, collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate course of action for optimal patient outcomes.
- Streamlined clinic workflow by collaborating closely with physicians, nurses, and support staff.
- Prescribed medications to patients to treat conditions and alleviate symptoms.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication and empathetic bedside manner.
- Ensured accurate diagnoses by ordering appropriate diagnostic tests and interpreting results efficiently.
- Optimized time management skills to prioritize urgent cases while maintaining high-quality care for all patients.
- Contributed to improved team performance by participating in interdisciplinary meetings, offering insights as a Physician Assistant.
- Assisted in surgical procedures, ensuring proper preparation of operating room equipment and patient positioning for optimal outcomes.
- Referred to and consulted with physicians and other healthcare providers on patient care.
- Conducted rounds in hospitals to check on admitted patients and provide care.
- Conducted rounds in hospitals and nursing homes to check on admitted patients and provide care.
- Recorded patient history to accurately track conditions, progress and diagnosis for comprehensive medical records.
- Assisted physicians during surgeries and other medical procedures to treat patients appropriately and safely.
- Mentored newly hired Physician Assistants within the practice, helping them acclimate to their roles effectively while fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Reduced medication errors by meticulously reviewing and verifying prescriptions and dosages before administration.
- Conducted comprehensive patient evaluations to establish accurate diagnoses, improving treatment outcomes.
Medical Technologist Clinical Generalist
Olympia Fields Hospital
10.1983 - 08.1997
- Utilized strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining strict attention to detail for accurate lab test results.
- Stayed current on industry advancements by attending continuing education courses, webinars, and workshops as part of professional development efforts.
- Participated in interdisciplinary meetings to enhance collaboration between departments for improved patient care delivery.
- Maintained thorough documentation of all test results, guaranteeing accuracy while complying with HIPAA regulations regarding patient confidentiality.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Physician Assistant Program
Chicago City Wide College
Chicago, IL08-1992
Bachelor of Science - Biology
St Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN05-1986
No Degree - Medical Technologist-laboratory
Michael Reese Hospital
Chicago, IL06-1983
Skills
- Patient management
- Suturing
- Patient history documentation
- Educating patients
- Medical diagnosis
- Interpreting laboratory results
- Managing prescription refills
- Physical examination
- Diagnosing conditions
- Incisions and drainage
- Patient assessments
- Wound care
- Direct patient care
- Interpreting radiology results
- Case management
- Performing procedures
- EMR / EHR
- Treatment Planning
- Laceration repair
- Completing examinations
- Diagnostic testing
- Interpreting images
- Differential diagnoses
- Surgery
- Orthopedic care
- Referral coordination
- Rounds management
- Orthopedics
- Evaluating culture results
- Surgical assistance
- Preoperative evaluations
- Clinical decision making
- Prescribing medication
- Emergency room consultations
- Performing physicals
- Patient diagnosing
Timeline
Orthopedic and Urology Physician Assistant
Ascension Healthcare-St Francis Hospital
03.1993 - Current
Medical Technologist Clinical Generalist
Olympia Fields Hospital
10.1983 - 08.1997
Associate of Applied Science - Physician Assistant Program
Chicago City Wide College
Bachelor of Science - Biology
St Mary's College
No Degree - Medical Technologist-laboratory
Michael Reese Hospital
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