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About Stephen Pasquini PA-C

Stephen Pasquini is a highly skilled Physician Assistant with expertise in Primary Care Medicine, Pain Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Urgent Care Medicine, Women's Health, Adult Medicine, and Pediatrics. Currently employed at the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, he provides comprehensive healthcare services to underserved populations, demonstrating strong clinical skills and a patient-centric approach. As the CEO and Founder of The PA Life, Inc. and Smartypance.com, Stephen has showcased exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial abilities, creating impactful online platforms that support and guide aspiring and practicing Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs) and PA students. His experience at the Prime Pain Medicine Institute involved using integrative and novel approaches to treat pain at its source, managing chronic and complex cases, and performing various procedures. Stephen holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Medicine and Dentistry/Rutgers University, where he conducted research on Hepatitis C infection/transmission. He also possesses a Bachelor of Science in Zoology/Biology from the University of Washington. Stephen's commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his dedication to continuous learning make him a valuable asset in the medical field.

Employment Summary

Sep 2018Present

Physician Assistant Certified

Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
  • Provided comprehensive healthcare services to underserved populations at the Homeless Persons Health Project and Emeline Clinics, delivering high-quality primary care and improving health outcomes for vulnerable individuals.
  • Diagnosed and treated acute and chronic conditions, demonstrating strong clinical skills and expertise in family practice medicine.
  • Conducted routine check-ups and managed medications, ensuring continuity of care and promoting overall wellness.
  • Specialized in addiction medicine services, including medication-assisted treatment and shared medical appointments, supporting patients in their journey towards recovery.
  • Educated patients on health maintenance and disease prevention, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health.
  • Collaborated effectively in a multidisciplinary team, fostering a patient-centric approach and ensuring coordinated care.
  • Thrived in high-pressure environments, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and delivering empathetic and effective healthcare to those most in need.
  • Maintained clear and concise documentation, ensuring accurate and up-to-date medical records.
Jan 2012Present

CEO/Founder

The PA Life, INC
  • Founded and currently serve as the CEO of The PA Life, INC, successfully establishing and growing two highly regarded online platforms, ThePALife.com and SmartyPANCE.com.
  • Demonstrated exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial skills in providing comprehensive resources and tools for Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs) and PA students.
  • Developed ThePALife.com into a renowned platform, offering insightful content, including articles, interviews, advice, and services that support and guide aspiring and practicing PAs.
  • Created SmartyPANCE.com, an innovative platform that provides a wealth of study materials, practice exams, and educational resources tailored for PAs and PA students preparing for their PANCE, PANRE, EOR, and EOC exams.
  • Leveraged expertise in content creation, digital marketing, and e-learning to create a significant impact in the PA community.
  • Maintained a commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement, resulting in the success and recognition of both platforms.
  • Ensured clear and concise communication with stakeholders, avoiding industry-specific jargon and maintaining a professional tone.
  • Diligently proofread all content and materials, ensuring accuracy, professionalism, and error-free presentation.
Dec 2015Sept 2018

Physician Assistant Certified

Prime Pain Medicine Institute
  • Collaborated as a key member of a multidisciplinary team at Prime Pain Medicine Institute, utilizing integrative and novel approaches to accurately diagnose and treat the source of pain, reducing reliance on opioid pain medications.
  • Managed a diverse caseload of chronic and complex pain cases in a bustling office setting, providing comprehensive care and treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Performed a wide range of procedures, including ultrasound-guided injections, joint injections, selective nerve blocks, and intramuscular trigger point injections, effectively alleviating pain and improving patient outcomes.
  • Led small patient groups within the functional restoration and rehabilitation program, providing medical education and support to enhance patients' understanding of their conditions and promote self-management.
  • Maintained accurate and detailed medical records, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating seamless coordination of care with other healthcare professionals.
  • Effectively communicated with patients, explaining complex medical concepts in a clear and empathetic manner, fostering trust and collaboration in the patient-provider relationship.
  • Consistently stayed updated with the latest advancements in pain medicine and related fields, actively participating in continuing education and professional development opportunities.
  • Ensured error-free documentation and reports, proofreading all medical records and correspondence to maintain accuracy and professionalism.
Oct 2004Jul 2014

Physician Assistant Certified

Mee Memorial Hospital, Greenfield, CA

Physician assistant and primary care provider in a fast-paced, rural, community health center. Involved in all aspects of patient care across the lifespan, including; detailed history, physical examinations, development and implementation of treatment plans, prescription of medications, ordering and interpretation of laboratory tests and diagnostic studies, as well as in-office surgical procedures. For many years I served as the sole clinical provider on weekends and holidays, have participated in a community-based program to teach sexual education in local area middle schools, and have joined in an effort to provide free physical examinations to the uninsured through our community outreach program.

Applicable Skills

  • Diagnose and treat common urgent care problems including URI's, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, pharyngitis, mononucleosis, asthma exacerbations, UTIs, otitis media and externa, conjunctivitis, corneal abrasion, migraines, gastroenteritis, fractures/dislocations, allergic reactions.
  • Experience in the management of chronic medical illness such as, but not limited to diabetes mellitus, chronic bronchitis, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, heart failure, obesity, chronic pain syndromes, thyroid disease, cirrhosis, and chemical dependency.
  • Procedures: I and D's, closure of wounds via sutures, staples and Dermabond; wound and skin care, injections, aseptic and isolation techniques, venipuncture, initiation of intravenous infusions, placement of NG tubes, collection of cultures, arterial blood draws, CPR, placement of catheters, eye examination using fluorescein and Wood's light.
  • Extensive practice in the area of pediatrics and adolescent medicine including well child/adolescent exams, screening sports physicals, infant care and nutrition, disorders of the bladder and bowel, the effective management of ADHD, eating disorders, and childhood behavioral problems.
  • Women's health including Papanicolaou cytology smears, wet mount and KOH prep, evaluation and management of abnormal uterine bleeding, menopause, osteoporosis, contraceptive initiation, and surveillance as well as basic obstetric care.
  • The ability to focus on mental health as it affects physiological well being.
  • The skill to work in a diverse and multicultural environment, with people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Oct 20122014

Haiti Medical Team

FCF Missions, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
  • Led and co-organized a physician assistant-led medical missions team to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, providing primary care to underserved communities in and around the city, as well as rural outlying villages.
  • Collaborated with local doctors, dentists, and volunteer agencies to extend services and provide ongoing care and prescription medications to meet the healthcare needs of the community.
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to ensure efficient and effective delivery of medical services, optimizing resources and maximizing impact.
  • Coordinated with local contacts to establish partnerships and facilitate the continuity of care beyond the duration of the missions.
  • Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient encounters, treatments, and outcomes, ensuring comprehensive documentation and continuity of care.
  • Communicated effectively with team members, local healthcare professionals, and community members, fostering strong relationships and facilitating collaboration.
  • Adapted to the unique challenges and cultural context of the region, demonstrating flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to providing quality healthcare.
  • Ensured accuracy and professionalism in all written and verbal communications, avoiding jargon and using clear and concise language.
Sep 1999Jul 2001

Senior Mobile Technician/Supervisor

Puget Sound Blood Center, Seattle, WA
  • Served as the on-site supervisor and lead technician during mobile community blood drives, overseeing a team of 2-15 staff/volunteers and ensuring the smooth operation of the drives.
  • Conducted venipuncture for whole blood and sample collection, adhering to strict protocols and maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism.
  • Screened donors for medical history, took vital signs, and performed hematocrit testing, ensuring the safety and eligibility of donors.
  • Monitored and cared for all donor reactions, providing immediate assistance and ensuring their well-being throughout the donation process.
  • Trained and precepted new staff, imparting knowledge and skills to ensure their proficiency in performing blood collection procedures.
  • Maintained accurate records and documentation, including post-drive summaries, donor health reports, and computer/data entry, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Conducted on-site maintenance and troubleshooting, promptly addressing any technical issues to minimize disruptions during blood drives.
  • Collaborated with mobile coordinators and clinical program nurses, providing on-site consultations and support to ensure the success of blood drives.
Oct 1998Jun 1999

Phlebotomist

University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA
  • Conducted venipuncture procedures on both adult and pediatric patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring accurate and timely collection of specimens for laboratory testing.
  • Educated patients on proper specimen handling and collection techniques, promoting adherence to quality standards and minimizing errors.
  • Managed the ordering and distribution of diagnostic tests from external laboratories, ensuring timely delivery of results for patient care.
  • Trained new personnel in venipuncture techniques and laboratory procedures, contributing to the development of a skilled and knowledgeable team.
  • Responded promptly and effectively to patient reactions and complications, providing necessary care and support.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of procedures and patient information, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating seamless communication with healthcare providers.
  • Consistently followed established protocols and safety guidelines, prioritizing patient safety and minimizing the risk of infection or injury.
  • Diligently proofread all documentation and reports, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.

Education

20012004

Masters of Science Physician Assistant Studies

University of Medicine and Dentistry / Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ

Intensive program included 18 months of classroom training shared with Robert Wood Johnson medical students culminating with 16 months of clinical rotations.

Masters Project: Community-Oriented Primary Care Summer Assistantship: In collaboration with the Jersey Shore Medical Center "A" Team, a clinic providing care to underserved patients with HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, I organized and created a community awareness campaign regarding Hepatitis C infection/transmission. Provided direct patient outreach within the team’s mobile unit and compiled on-site research data for publication to guide Hepatitis C treatment and education within the clinic. 

Books and Online Publications

  • Test-Taking Masterclass: Interactive online course and a comprehensive guide to developing effective test-taking strategies for high-stakes exams. It not only focuses on understanding the structure of test questions but also emphasizes the importance of thinking critically and analytically to navigate through them successfully. Published May 2023
  • 101 PA School Admissions Essays: Stories of life in the pursuit of medicine, Published March 2017
  • How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement, Published September 2015
  • Smarty PANCE - NCCPA Content Blueprint PANCE and PANRE physician assistant exam review. Integrated Picmonic and ReelDX patient video cases, 2014 - present.
  • The Physician Assistant Life - A site focused on creating awareness and understanding of the physician assistant profession with content geared toward pre-physician assistants and students interested in the PA career path, 2012 - present.
  • PA School Finder - Interactive online physician assistant program directory, 2013 - present.
  • Physician Assistants for Global Health - The international arm of The American Academy of Physician Assistants - content creator and web chair, 2008 - 2019.

Scholarships

  • US Department of Health and Human Services, National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2002 - 2004
  • SEARCH (Student Experiences and Rotations in Community Health) Oregon Primary Care Association, Woodburn, OR, 2004
  • Scholarship - Dean's List, University of Washington, 1999

Honors and Awards

  • Most dedicated provider, Mee Memorial Hospital, 2012-2014
  • United States Patent Pending, #61/069927, Santa Cruz, CA, 2008
  • United States Patent Pending, #60/222539, Seattle, WA, 2000
  • Employee of the Year, Hall Health Primary Care Center