Regina Pruitt
Palmetto,FL
Summary
Energetic Board Certified Physician Assistant with 18 years of experience in a wide variety of specialties, including clinical pharmaceutical research, offering a diverse wealth of knowledge; Interested in making a career change from clinical practice to medical science and education for a pharmaceutical company; Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to quickly cultivate relationships with other health care professionals in order to advance knowledge and scientific data to ensure that patients receive the most advanced care available
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physician Assistant-Certified
Florida Sleep Specialists
2022.06 - Current
- Work directly with and independently of Board Certified Sleep Medicine physician
- Take complete health and surgical histories; review outside medical records and diagnostic studies pertaining to sleep disorders.
- Assess patients in outpatient clinical setting for sleep related disorders such as: obstructive sleep apnea; primary central sleep apnea; complex sleep apnea; treatment emergent central sleep apnea; periodic limb movements of sleep; insomnia; central disorders of sleep (idiopathic hypersomnia, narcolepsy type I or type II); Parasomnias such as :REM behavior disorder; night terrors; somnambulance; somniloquy
- Perform physical exam and accurately document findings
- Order and interpret diagnostic testing to evaluate and/or confirm diagnosis and implement accurate treatment plans.
- Assess home sleep studies, attended polysomnograms, multiple sleep latency tests, as well as compliance reports for patients on PAP therapy.
- Educate patients who are on PAP therapy on function, cleaning, and maintenance of their PAP device.
- Assess mask fit for patients on PAP therapy; determine etiology of any problems with masks; recommend and fit patients with alternative mask options.
- Develop educational materials on proper CPAP usage, enabling patients to better manage their own care at home.
- Improve patient sleep quality by conducting comprehensive sleep assessments and providing tailored recommendations.
- Analyze polysomnography data for accurate diagnoses, leading to targeted interventions that enhanced patient outcomes.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge on industry advancements through continuous professional development activities.
- Provide compassionate care to patients experiencing difficulties with insomnia, narcolepsy, and other sleep-related issues.
- Implement cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for insomnia sufferers, promoting healthier sleeping patterns over time.
- Educate patients on healthy sleep habits, resulting in improved sleep quality and overall wellbeing.
- Maintain accurate patient charts and medical records.
- Educate patients about procedures, answered questions, and provided comforting words to control anxiety and enhance procedure results.
- Manage diverse caseload of patients while maintaining excellent rapport and fostering trustful relationships.
- Optimize treatment plans by regularly monitoring progress and adjusting strategies as needed based on patient feedback.
Physician Assistant-Certified/ Sub-Investigator
St. Francis Sleep, Allergy, And Lung Institute
2020.11 - 2022.06
- Work directly with and independently of a Board Certified Pulmonary, Sleep, and Allergy physician
- Teach nurse practitioner students and residents who have clinical rotations in specified field of work
- Assess patients in outpatient clinical setting as well as inpatient hospital setting and inpatient skilled nursing facility setting
- Take complete histories; review records and diagnostic studies; perform physical exam; review and interpret spirometries, pulmonary function tests, echocardiograms, allergy skin tests, lab tests (including serum allergy testing, disease-specific lab testing, monitor hepatic and renal function of patients on medication that can adversely alter those functions), pulse oximetry testing, six minute walk testing, polysomnograms, home sleep studies, compliance reports for patients on CPAP/BIPAP with obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea
- Ordered and executed various tests, analyses, and diagnostic images to provide information on patient condition.
- Conducted physical examinations to assess patients' health and current condition for optimal treatment.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic testing to confirm diagnosis and implement accurate treatment plans.
- Formulate plan of care appropriate for patients' current diagnoses; manage medications for respiratory diseases (COPD, Asthma, Bronchiectasis, Interstitial Lung Disease, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Artery Hypertension), allergies, and sleep related disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, hypersomnia, parasomnias
- Documented full medical histories, treatment progress and evaluation data in IMS, Meditech, Point Click Care and Cerner.
- Provide education to patients regarding their diagnoses, treatments, and appropriate care and maintenance of any associated durable medical equipment needed for their care
Manage referral of patients for assessment for lung transplant and for oncology management
Independently round on hospitalized patients, order appropriate labs and diagnostic studies, manage medication orders and other indicated care-related orders for hospital patients - Assess and manage patients in skilled nursing facilities; order appropriate medication for patients with pulmonary, sleep, or allergy diagnoses; order and interpret labs, imaging studies, echocardiograms; treat acute lung disorders, such as pneumonia, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema Manage scheduled radiographic surveillance of patients with abnormalities identified on imaging, such as pulmonary nodules, mediastinal lymphadenopathy , and recurring pleural effusions for patients in skilled nursing facility;
- Assess and manage patients who are acutely ill at skilled nursing facility, and order emergency transport to local hospital when appropriate
- Effectively reduce symptoms and treat underlying conditions by prescribing targeted medications and therapies under physician guidance. Review examination information, laboratory reports and expressed symptoms to make tentative diagnoses.
- Collaborate with medical colleagues to offer clinical care management, patient education and referral services.
- Refer patients to and consulted with physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient care.
Perform venipunctures, injections and various diagnostic procedures throughout clinical rounds. - Stay abreast of advances in treatments, emerging pharmaceutical applications and new diagnostic tools for application in sleep, allergy, and pulmonary medicine.
- Implement therapeutic regiments involving medications and other interventions to mitigate symptoms and prevent reoccurrence.
- Update clinical knowledge and skills through formal and informal continuing education, workshop attendance and literature review.
- Perform as Sub-Investigator in a number of Phase II and Phase III clinical research trials
- Identify clinic patients who meet inclusion and exclusion criteria for Phase II or Phase III clinical trials involving investigational medication for either pulmonary diseases or sleep disorders
- Work closely with clinical research coordinators to establish screening visit for patients
- Discuss research medication with patients including mechanism of action, possible risks, benefits, and alternatives
- Assist clinical research coordinators in obtaining informed consent from patients participating in clinical trials
- Perform thorough medical, social, family, and surgical history on clinical trial participants
Monitor trial participants for any adverse effects while participating in clinical trials - Participating in initiation visits and investigator meetings, implementing trials in accordance with study timelines
- Review and monitor labs and other diagnostic studies/imaging for patients participating in clinical trials
- Maintain most current knowledge of study protocol and procedures for clinical research trials
- Maintain up-to-date education and training for a variety of clinical research trials
- Recognize clinically significant adverse events and protocol deviations for patients participating in clinical research trials
- Communicate with clinical trial managers and medical monitors regarding changes to and amendments of study protocols
- Communicate with other care professionals involved in study participants' care regarding mechanism of action of study medication as well as possible side effects and possible medication interactions
- Conduct telephone visits with study participants when indicated
- Maintain detailed and thorough records of all trial participants
- Perform phlebotomy and/or intravenous access as needed for study- related procedures and drug administration
Physician Assistant-Certified
Southlake Orthopaedics
2020.01 - 2020.04
- Worked directly with and independently of Board Certified Foot and Ankle Orthopedic surgeon
- Used intake and screening instruments to conduct assessment of needs and to obtain complete medical history.
- Performed as first assistant in operating room; coordinated with appropriate orthopedic appliance reps to ensure ensure availability of instruments and implantable devices needed for particular surgical procedures; prepared post op orders and prescriptions for surgery patients; entered pre op orders for surgery patients into hospital EMR,; made daily rounds on inpatients and appropriately documenting in hospital EMR; coordinated with hospitalists in regards to inpatient care; wrote pre and post operative orders for surgical patients;; sutured; applied dressing or wound vacuum; applied casts when appropriate
- Performed duties in clinical setting including: evaluated and examined patients independently; ordered appropriate diagnostic studies and labs, performed joint injections, provided wound care for patients with chronic wounds, including wound vacuum application and replacement; suture/staple removal; accurately and thoroughly documented patient encounters in office EMR; participated in call rotation monthly with supervising physician; educated patients; examined post op patients in clinical setting and determined their plan of care and physical therapy needs.
- Documented full medical histories, treatment progress and evaluation data in Greenways and Cerner.
Physician Assistant-Certified
Revive Vitality/ Birmingham Physicians Imaging
2017.06 - 2020.01
- Obtained complete medical, surgical, and family history from patients and performed complete medical exams
- Discuss with patients their chief complaints as it relates to male sexual health, including erectile dysfunction
- Discussed available treatment options for men with erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, hypogonadism, and other hormone related health problems in men
- Provided hormone replacement therapy to male patients
- Gave intramuscular hormone injections
Performed penile injections, comprised of patient- specific mixture of vasodilators for erectile dysfunction - Monitor patients' reaction to contrast injection
Make adjustments in their medication formula as needed - Teach patients how to give themselves penile injections for erectile dysfunction
Ordered diagnostic blood tests - Performed phlebotomy and obtained intravenous access when necessary Review lab results and diagnostic imaging with patients
- Closely monitor patients having contrasted coronary exams, evaluate blood pressure, and administer oral or IV medication to control blood pressure for coronary CT studies
Work closely with cardiologist to ensure quality of coronary CT exam imaging
Physician Assistant-Certified
Alabama PA On Call, LLC
2014.01 - 2016.06
- Performed as surgical physician assistant in variety of surgical specialties as well as performing duties in clinical setting in variety of specialties including orthopedics, neurosurgery, urology/erectile dysfunction, plastics, vascular, general surgery
- Duties in clinical setting included knowledge of and use of electronic medical record systems, obtaining history, performing physical exam, examining post-operative patients, suture and/ or staple removal, ordering appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests, interpreting test results, writing prescriptions, making appropriate referrals for patients, maintaining accurate and thorough medical records
- Reviewed examination information, laboratory reports and expressed symptoms to make tentative diagnoses.
- Coordinated admissions and transfers for inpatient care in collaboration with supervising attending physician
Physician Assistant-Certified
North Shelby Psychiatric Services, Inc
2009.10 - 2012.09
- Worked directly with, and independently of, Board Certified Clinical Psychiatrist to provide psychological evaluation of new and existing patients
- Used intake and screening instruments to conduct assessment of needs and to obtain complete medical history. Prescribed and managed disease-specific medications
- Administered appropriate illness-related evaluation exams, ordered diagnostic labs and tests,
- Educated patients on their diagnoses, treatment options, and mechanism of action of any prescribed medications
- Provide appropriate medication management for patients on psychiatric medications in outpatient setting
Physician Assistant-Certified
United Surgical Assistants, Inc
2008.06 - 2009.06
- Performed as surgical first assistant in several surgical specialties: orthopedic, general, urology, vascular, plastics
- Surgeries most assisted on include, but are not limited to:
- Orthopedic-total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, total knee revision, total hip revision, knee arthroscopy, ACL reconstruction, shoulder arthroscopy (with or without acromioplasty, rotator cuff repair, labral repair), CRIF hip, ORIF hip, ORIF tibia/fibula/talus/calcareous, ankle fusion, ORIF radius/ulna, ORIF radius/ulna, intramedullary nailing femur/tibia/humerus, carpal tunnel release, palmar fasciotomy, tonsillectomy (various anatomical locations), CMC joint reconstruction, achilles tendon repair, biceps tendon repair (distal and proximal), cervical/lumbar laminectomy and discectomy (with or without fusion);
- General-laparoscopic cholecystectomy, exploratory laparotomy, open/laparoscopic-assisted colon resection, breast biopsy, mastectomy
- Urology-placement of penile prosthesis, prostatectomy, placement of artificial urinary sphincter, cystoscopy/ureteroscopy,
- Vascular-Arterial bypass (lower and upper extremity), arterial/venous fistula formation, open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, aorta-bifemoral bypass graft placement, carotid endarterectomy, endovascular and open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Plastic-bilateral breast reduction with or without mastopexy, abdominoplasty, bilateral breast augmentation, blepharoplasty
Physician Assistant-Certified/ Sub-Investigator
Capstone Clinical Trials
2006.09 - 2008.06
- Coordinated clinical pharmaceutical research trials Coordinated clinical trials focused on disorders such as deep vein thrombosis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, atrial fibrillation, and post-operative pain management
- Communicated with and engaged with key opinion leaders regarding active Phase II and III clinical research trials and regarding recruitment of patients for clinical trials
- Participated in initiation visits and investigator meetings, implementing trials in accordance with study timelines and budgets.
- Worked with principal investigator and sponsors to facilitate daily trial activities and comply with research protocols.
- Worked with key physicians to identify patients who potentially qualified for participation in clinical trials
- Screened patient records, databases and physician referrals to identify prospective candidates for research studies.
- Educated key physicians on investigational medications, mechanism of action, risks, and expected benefits data and followed research protocols, operations manuals and case report form requirements.
- Thoroughly explain clinical study and protocol to patients and obtain informed consent for trial participation in manner that was approved by Internal Review Board
- Thoroughly checked inclusion and exclusion criteria for patients screening for clinical trials to ensure patients were appropriate candidates for trial participation
- Performed protocol-required procedures including: obtained complete history and physical exam; performed phlebotomy; administered intramuscular and/or subcutaneous injections; acquired intravenous access; performed post-operative wound assessments; educated patients on appropriate medication administration per protocol; made daily rounds on inpatient study participants; performed protocol directed follow up exams and procedures
- Gathered, processed, and shipped lab specimens.
- Maintained detailed and accurate study records
- Reported any adverse events to medical monitor and pharmaceutical company sponsoring clinical trial
- Maintained compliance with protocols covering patient care and clinical trial operations.
- Collected data and followed research protocols, operations manuals and case report form requirements
- Received and processed stock into inventory management system.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Physician Assistant
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL09.2006
Associate of Science - Surgical Technology
Pearl River Community College
Poplarville, MS07.1998
Skills
- Diagnostic Testing
- Treatment Planning
- Interpreting laboratory results
- EMR / EHR
- Staff education and training
- Medical Diagnosis
- Office consultations
- Diagnosing conditions
- Educating patients
- Wound Care
- Laceration Repair
- Remote health monitoring
- Completing examinations
- Performing procedures
- Orthopedics
- Discharge summaries
- Diagnostic codes
- Interpreting radiology results
- Interpreting images
- Hospital consultations
- Telemedicine
- Discharge Planning
- Managing prescription refills
- Working with specialists
- Direct Patient Care
- Electronic Medical Records
- Chronic Disease Management
- Prescription Management
- Differential diagnoses
- Physical examination
- Surgical Assistance
- Suturing
- Evidence-based medicine
- Surgery
- Incisions and drainage
- Medical terminology in English
- Patient History Documentation
- Patient Assessments
- Patient Management
- Rounds management
- Care Planning
- Referral Coordination
- Allergy and immunology
- Orthopedic care
- Pulmonology Understanding
- Adaptability
- Electronic Charting
- Task Prioritization
- Analytical Skills
- Advising Patents
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Treatment management
- Interpersonal Communication
- Effective Communication
- CPR/AED
- Self Motivation
- Team Collaboration
- Multitasking
- Evaluating culture results
- Foreign body removal
- Assessing pathophysiology
- Assessing needs
- Medical terminology in English
Certification
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
NCCPA Certification Number: 1075045
September 2006 to present
Alabama Physician Assistant License:
License number: PA.493
September 2006 to present
Florida Physician Assistant License:
License number: PA 9113304
May 2020 to present
AFFILIATIONS:
American Academy of Physician Assistants
September 2006 to present
American Thoracic Society
October 2021 to present
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
June 2022 to present
Florida Academy of Physician Assistants
October 2021 to presennt
Timeline
Physician Assistant-Certified
Florida Sleep Specialists
2022.06 - Current
Physician Assistant-Certified/ Sub-Investigator
St. Francis Sleep, Allergy, And Lung Institute
2020.11 - 2022.06
Physician Assistant-Certified
Southlake Orthopaedics
2020.01 - 2020.04
Physician Assistant-Certified
Revive Vitality/ Birmingham Physicians Imaging
2017.06 - 2020.01
Physician Assistant-Certified
Alabama PA On Call, LLC
2014.01 - 2016.06
Physician Assistant-Certified
North Shelby Psychiatric Services, Inc
2009.10 - 2012.09
Physician Assistant-Certified
United Surgical Assistants, Inc
2008.06 - 2009.06
Physician Assistant-Certified/ Sub-Investigator
Capstone Clinical Trials
2006.09 - 2008.06
Bachelor of Science - Physician Assistant
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Associate of Science - Surgical Technology
Pearl River Community College
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
NCCPA Certification Number: 1075045
September 2006 to present
Alabama Physician Assistant License:
License number: PA.493
September 2006 to present
Florida Physician Assistant License:
License number: PA 9113304
May 2020 to present
AFFILIATIONS:
American Academy of Physician Assistants
September 2006 to present
American Thoracic Society
October 2021 to present
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
June 2022 to present
Florida Academy of Physician Assistants
October 2021 to presennt
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