Caroline Combs, Pa-C Email & Phone Number

Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States

Winter Haven, Florida, United States

Emergency Medicine Clinical Rotation - Winter Haven Hospital • Collaborated with the attending physician, mid-levels, and nursing staff to manage the care and treatment of patients in a high-acuity emergency department. • Assessed, diagnosed and proposed courses of treatments for patients with sepsis, DKA, necrotizing pneumonia, hypo/hyperkalemia, and seizure due to hypocalcemia. • Assisted with the management of patients post-cardiac arrest including collaborating with the intensivist to coordinate care. • Intubated during cardiac codes and placed ultrasound-guided central line access for post-code management. • Consulted with various specialties in order to provide optimal patient outcomes. These included gynecology, infectious disease, orthopedics, and neurology.

Bartow, Florida, United States

Women’s Health Clinical Rotation - Urogynocologic Surgery - The Pelvic Floor Institute and Tampa General Hospital • Assisted the physician with the management of patients in the outpatient clinic, pre-operative setting, OR and PACU. • Managed the treatment plans for patients with pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, cystitis, hormone imbalance including peri- and post-menopausal states, endometrial cancer and cervical cancer. • Performed pelvic and rectal exams. • Assisted in robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures including supracervical hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, sacrocolpopexy, cystocele repair, and ventral rectopexy. • In the OR, I was able to make incisions and place Trochars, suction, irrigate, suture, place Foley catheters, and assist in intubations and placement of central and arterial lines.

Largo, Florida, United States

General Surgery Clinical Rotation - Largo Medical Center • Collaborated with residents and the physician to assist in the care and management of patients in the outpatient clinic, OR and PACU. Rounded on patients post-operatively on the medical-surgical floor. • Managed patients with various acute and chronic conditions including cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, diverticulitis, appendicitis, colon cancer, inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, internal and external hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and chronic kidney disease. • Interpreted results of diagnostic studies and imaging including CT scans, HIDA scans, and pathology reports. • Assisted in laparoscopic and open surgical procedures including cholecystectomy, colectomy, appendectomy, mesh inguinal hernia repair, mesh umbilical hernia repair, hemorrhoidectomy, and AV fistula placement. • Managed post-surgical complications including sepsis and electrolyte abnormalities following colectomy. • Intra-operatively I was able to drape the surgical field, suture, suction, hold retractors, dermabond incision sites, and assist with intubations.

Oviedo, Florida, United States

Emergency Medicine Clinical Rotation - Oviedo Medical Center • Worked closely with the physician, mid-levels, and nursing staff to manage patients in the emergency department including those with sepsis, ischemic stroke, cardiac arrest, liver cirrhosis, Bell’s Palsy, pneumonia, COPD and asthma exacerbation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, lung cavitation, DVT, hypokalemia, spontaneous abortion, atrial fibrillation and flutter, dislocated shoulder, hip fracture/dislocation, and animal bites. • Obtained histories, performed physical exams, and presented treatment plans. • Coordinated with radiology and the laboratory to order diagnostic studies. • Interpreted results of various studies including ultrasound, chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ABG, and EKG. • Managed post-operative complications including airway compromise due to laryngeal edema, DVT and wound dehiscence with free air in the abdomen. • Coordinated with poison control to manage drug overdose.

Tampa, Florida, United States

Behavioral Health Clinical Rotation - Various Locations • Managed the care and treatment of patients at skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities with various mental health conditions including delirium, dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and PTSD. • Managed medication side effects such as movement disorders and proposed alternative treatments. • Rounded on patients and documented progress notes. • Performed complete psychiatric evaluations and coordinated with other providers of the patient’s care team in order to obtain complete histories.

Lecanto, Florida, United States

Internal Medicine Clinical Rotation - PedIM Healthcare Clinic • Assisted in the management of patients in an underserved rural internal medicine clinic. • Managed various chronic conditions including diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, COPD, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypo/hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, and parathyroid disorders. • Communicated with patients to clarify diagnoses in speech catered to the patient’s individual level of education and understanding. Collaborated with patients to come up with patient-centered treatment plans.• Managed the treatment of patients with conditions refractory to conservative management. • Educated patients on various conditions and preventative management. Worked with patients to find alternative medications to alleviate excess expense. • Interpreted lab results, communicated with outside hospital facilities to obtain and review records, and compared previous diagnostic studies in order to assess changes in conditions.

Lakewood Ranch, Florida, United States

Family Medicine Clinical Rotation - AllCare Medical Center • Managed a range of patients from pediatric to geriatric presenting for annual wellness exams, sports physicals and acute concerns. • Collaborated with various medical specialties in order to provide the best possible outcome for patients.

Tampa, Florida, United States

Assisted nursing staff with patient care activities including management of tracheostomies, wound care, urinary catheter maintenance, colostomy maintenance and venipuncture for laboratory testing. Oriented and trained on-coming nurse technicians.

Gainesville, Florida, United States

Assisted patients with all ADLs including mobility, bathing, and toileting. Obtained and monitored patient vital signs including EKG readings. Obtained patient blood glucose levels. Performed straight urinary catheterizations. Answered and monitored patient calls. Observed and assisted with positioning during intubations, thoracentecis, lumbar punctures, and chest tubes. Participated in codes and utilized teamwork and efficient communication during medical emergencies. Provided empathetic and un-biased care and support to patients in various mental health crises. Communicated and advocated for patients receiving palliative care. Assisted in post-mortem care and provided emotional and educational support for family members of deceased patients. Ensured patient safety and educated patients on the risk of hospital falls. Worked in collaboration with Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, Social Workers, Nurses and Providers in order to advocate for individualized and efficient care of each patient. Utilized EMRs.

Gainesville, Florida, United States

Attended trainings specializing in the care of individuals with advanced dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Successfully communicated and assisted individuals with advanced dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Master'S Degree, Physician Assistant

Bachelor’S Of Health Science, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General, 3.7

Activities and Societies: Pre-Physician Assistant Society Member Best Buddies Member