Erica Watson
University of Colorado, School of Medicine
Denver,CO
1
Certification
11
years of professional experience
Experienced with rapid assessment and treatment of acute medical conditions. Utilizes critical thinking to make swift, accurate decisions in high-pressure environments. Track record of effective teamwork and clear communication to improve patient care.
Work History
EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
3 Years 10 Months- Evaluated, diagnosed, and treated patients in main ER, Supertrack, and medical and psychiatric observation units at academic medical center and associated community sites, ensuring comprehensive care.
- Performed a range of procedures including intubation, chest tube placement, central line placement, arterial line placement, lumbar puncture, paracentesis, thoracentesis, incision and drainage, laceration repair, ultrasound-guided IV placement, arthrocentesis, digital nerve block, and trigger point injections, enhancing patient outcomes.
- Evaluated emergency department patients, obtained histories, and performed focused physical examinations.
- Formulated differential diagnoses and treatment plans for acute medical, traumatic, and psychiatric presentations.
- Performed emergency procedures, including laceration repair, splinting, incision and drainage, and wound care.
EMERGENCY MEDICINE APP FELLOW
1 Year 5 Months- Evaluated, diagnosed, and treated patients in main ER, Supertrack, and observation units, ensuring timely and effective care.
- Performed critical procedures including intubation, chest tube placement, central line placement, arterial line placement, lumbar puncture, paracentesis, thoracentesis, incision and drainage, laceration repair, ultrasound-guided IV placement, arthrocentesis, digital nerve block, and trigger point injections to manage patient conditions.
- Participated in rotations across various medical subspecialties, gaining diverse clinical experience in trauma, pediatric emergency medicine, and ICU.
PAIN MANAGEMENT PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
11 Months- Diagnose patients with acute and chronic pain conditions by performing a targeted physical exam and ordering pertinent lab and imaging studies.
- Recommended interventional pain management procedures tailored to patient history, physical exam, and imaging findings.
- Perform in-office procedures including trigger point injections, greater trochanteric bursa injections, and intra-articular steroid injections in knees and shoulders.
- Managed acute, chronic, and post-operative pain medications, including opioid and non-opioid analgesics, to optimize patient comfort and recovery.
- 10700 E. Geddes Ave, Englewood, CO
EMERGENCY MEDICINE ROTATION
1 Month- Managed acutely ill psychiatric and substance abuse patients in behavioral health/toxicology observation unit, obtaining history, performing physical exams, and formulating treatment plans.
- Managed patients in medical observation unit, obtaining histories, performing physical exams, and formulating treatment plans.
- Managed lower acuity patients in 'supertrack' area and main ER, obtaining histories, performing physical exams, formulating treatment plans, re-evaluating patients post-intervention, assessing admission needs, and collaborating on discharge plans.
- Performed procedures including laceration repair, abscess drainage, pilonidal cyst drainage, suture removal, shoulder reduction and assisted with casting and splinting various joints.
- Documented history, physical exam, assessment and treatment plan in Epic
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY ROTATION
1 Month- Assisted in pre- and post-operative care of surgical patients, submitting orders on Cerner and monitoring surgical wounds and drains to ensure optimal recovery.
- Inserted central lines for pre-operative patients in surgical settings.
- Assisted in procedures including carotid endarterectomy, coronary artery bypass graft, MAZE procedure, femorofemoral bypass, open mitral valve replacement, mini mitral valve replacement, epicardial lead placement and pacemaker pocket revision.
- Contributed to surgical procedures by retracting, suturing, prepping vein grafts and closing surgical wounds using various techniques.
INTERNAL MEDICINE ROTATION
1 Month- Obtained patient histories and conducted comprehensive physical exams in clinic and hospital settings to inform treatment decisions
- Documented history, physical exam, assessment and treatment plan for clinic patients in eClinical
- Ordered and interpreted laboratory and radiological tests to develop differential diagnoses and treatment plans
- Adapted to changes in medicine during COVID-19 pandemic by providing telemedicine consultations to ensure continuity of care
- Documented patient history, physical exam, assessment, and treatment plan in eClinical to maintain accurate medical records
GENERAL AND VASCULAR SURGERY ROTATION
1 Month- Served as the first assist in a variety of procedures including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, lipoma removal, cyst removal, dialysis port placement, open and laparoscopic hernia repairs, carotid endarterectomy, AV fistula creation, and endovascular aneurysm repairs.
- Collaborated with attending physician to develop differential diagnoses and tailored surgical treatment plans
- Assisted in pre- and post-operative care, ensuring optimal recovery for surgical patients
- Assisted with pre- and post-operative care of surgical patients
- Participated in surgical procedures by retracting, guiding laparoscope, applying suction, and closing surgical wounds to support successful outcomes
EMERGENCY MEDICINE ROTATION
1 Month- Obtained patient histories and conducted physical exams for diverse acuity levels, facilitating accurate diagnosis.
- Recommended targeted laboratory and radiological tests to attending physician based on comprehensive history and physical exam findings.
- Developed differential diagnoses and presented treatment plan to attending physician
- Documented patient history, physical exam, assessment, and treatment plan in Cerner, ensuring thorough and precise medical records.
- Performed technical skills including intubation, chest tube placement, central line placement, laceration repair with sutures and staples, incision and drainage, fine needle aspiration, and ultrasound-guided IV placement
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY ROTATION
2 Months- Conducted patient interviews and examinations in OB/GYN clinic to assess health needs and provide quality care
- Assisted in ultrasound evaluations for prenatal care, post-menopausal bleeding, and dysmenorrhea to support diagnostic processes
- Executed technical skills such as Pap smears, bimanual exams, and breast exams to enhance patient health assessments
MENTAL HEALTH ROTATION
1 Month- Conducted patient interviews in acute and geriatric psychiatry units to assess mental health needs
- Documented comprehensive admission, progress, and discharge notes in CPRS to ensure accurate patient records
- Collaborated with physician and social worker to develop personalized treatment plans for improved patient outcomes
GERIATRIC MEDICINE ROTATION
1 Month- Conducted patient interviews and examinations in clinic and multiple nursing homes to assess health status and care needs
- Performed Medicare Annual Wellness assessments as well as SLUMS dementia screenings
- Documented new patient encounters, acute visits, and progress notes in Athena in the office
- Recorded admissions, readmissions, and clinical notes in GEHRiMed for nursing home patients to ensure accurate health documentation and continuity of care.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT MEDICAL SCRIBE
2 Years 2 Months- Documented patient encounters, including HPIs, physical exams, progress notes, and procedures, to support accurate patient care and facilitate continuity of treatment
- Ensured compliance with documentation standards to optimize billing and coding processes
- Reviewed patient charts post-stay to identify vital signs, electrolyte values, and treatments, aiding in appropriate billing adjustments
HOSPITALIST MEDICAL SCRIBE
9 Months- Documented patient encounters, including daily progress notes, to maintain accurate medical records
- Composed admission notes and discharge summaries to facilitate continuity of care
- Ensured documentation met billing and coding standards for compliance and reimbursement
Education
Master of Science - Physician Assistant Studies
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Skills
Emergency medicine expertise
Airway management
Performing procedures
Incision and drainage
Incisions and drainage
Acute and chronic pain management
Interpreting laboratory results
Diagnostic imaging interpretation
Electronic medical records
Compassionate patient care
Affiliations
- Basic Life Support Certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification
- Advanced Trauma Life Support Certification
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification
- Medication Assisted Treatment Certification
Certification
- Basic Life Support Certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification
- Advanced Trauma Life Support Certification
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification
- Medication Assisted Treatment Certification
Timeline
EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
University of Colorado, School of Medicine
01.2023 - CurrentRead More
EMERGENCY MEDICINE APP FELLOW
University of Colorado, School of Medicine
03.2022 - 08.2023Read More
PAIN MANAGEMENT PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
MDPain
03.2021 - 02.2022Read More
EMERGENCY MEDICINE ROTATION
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
10.2020 - 11.2020Read More
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY ROTATION
Arkansas Heart Hospital
08.2020 - 09.2020Read More
INTERNAL MEDICINE ROTATION
Arkansas Primary Care Clinic
07.2020 - 08.2020Read More
GENERAL AND VASCULAR SURGERY ROTATION
Conway Regional Medical Center
02.2020 - 03.2020Read More
EMERGENCY MEDICINE ROTATION
CHI St. Vincent North Medical Center
01.2020 - 02.2020Read More
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY ROTATION
The Women’s Clinic
10.2019 - 12.2019Read More
MENTAL HEALTH ROTATION
Arkansas VA Hospital
09.2019 - 10.2019Read More
GERIATRIC MEDICINE ROTATION
Arkansas Longevity Clinic
08.2019 - 09.2019Read More
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT MEDICAL SCRIBE
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
04.2016 - 06.2018Read More
HOSPITALIST MEDICAL SCRIBE
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
08.2015 - 05.2016Read More
Harding University
Master of Science from Physician Assistant Studies
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University of Dayton
Bachelor of Science from Biology
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