Maria Macias
Summary
Cardiology Infectious Disease PA-C specializing in LVAD and cardiac transplant, offering extensive experience in developing engaging lesson plans that foster positive learning environments. Proven ability to implement innovative teaching methods tailored to diverse student needs, ensuring effective classroom management and communication. Committed to cultivating an educational atmosphere that promotes student success and inspires a passion for lifelong learning. Adept at adapting strategies to meet evolving challenges in the educational landscape.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
2
2
Languages
Work History
Infectious Disease Educator
University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Penn State University, Assumption University
11.2023 - Current
- Design and deliver engaging lectures in Infectious Diseases for Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner students, covering infections across all organ systems, foundational microbiology, antimicrobial therapy, and PANCE preparation.
- Serve as the primary instructor for the Infectious Diseases curriculum at Assumption University, developing comprehensive course content that integrates current evidence-based clinical practice.
- Provide academic and clinical mentorship to Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner students, fostering clinical reasoning and professional development during didactic and clinical training.
- Assess student performance and learning outcomes through examinations, case-based discussions, and formative feedback, ensuring achievement of Infectious Disease educational competencies.
- Develop and continuously refine curriculum for Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner programs to align with current guidelines, board examination objectives, and evolving clinical practice.
- Create innovative, interactive learning experiences including case-based learning, active learning strategies, and board-style review sessions to improve student engagement and knowledge retention.
- Facilitate faculty collaboration and educational workshops aimed at enhancing teaching methodologies and promoting excellence in health professions education.
- Integrate real-world clinical Infectious Disease cases into classroom instruction to strengthen diagnostic reasoning, antimicrobial stewardship principles, and evidence-based decision-making.
Physician Assistant
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York
12.2021 - Current
- Collaborate with physicians, pharmacists, and advanced practice providers to diagnose and manage complex infectious diseases in hospitalized patients.
- Provide specialized infectious disease care for immunocompromised patients, with expertise in opportunistic, donor-derived, and post-transplant infections in heart transplant recipients.
- Manage complex infections involving left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, prosthetic heart valves, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
- Partner with cardiothoracic surgery, advanced heart failure, and multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.
- Educate patients and families on infectious diseases, antimicrobial therapy, vaccination, and infection prevention.
- Support antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention initiatives through evidence-based clinical practice.
Education
Master of Physician Assistant Studies -
Penn State College of Medicine
Hershey05-2021
Bachelor of Biological Studies -
Chapman University
Orange06-2018
Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
- Patient engagement
- Educational facilitation
- Time management
- Lesson planning
- Positive reinforcement
- Clinical education
Certification
NCCPA Certification (May '21)
LANGUAGES
Spanish
Native
Timeline
Infectious Disease Educator
University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Penn State University, Assumption University
11.2023 - Current
Physician Assistant
University of Rochester
12.2021 - Current
Master of Physician Assistant Studies -
Penn State College of Medicine
Bachelor of Biological Studies -
Chapman University