08/13/2024

"Elevated Intracranial Pressure - Management Strategies" with Emily Keller, DMS, PA-C: 2024 OAPA Annual Conference Speaker Feature

PAs need comprehensive knowledge to ensure that patients receive prompt and effective care.

Join us at the 2024 OAPA Annual Conference for "Elevated Intracranial Pressure - Management Strategies."

Emily Keller, DMS, PA-C, Ashland University and OhioHealth, will cover this important topic during her session at the upcoming 2024 OAPA Annual Conference. She will help attendees identify the underlying causes and understand the pathophysiology of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), identify the signs and symptoms of elevated intractable pressure, and discuss indications for various ICP management procedures.

We recently caught up with Emily to ask her more about this important session.

OAPA:
Why are you excited to present to the OAPA audience on this topic?

Emily:
Neurosurgery, specifically intracranial pressure, has been a passion of mine since childhood due to personal experiences. I thoroughly enjoy learning and teaching others about it.

OAPA:
What do you think might surprise people about this topic?

Emily:
This presentation is not just relevant for inpatient providers; although, there are details specific to the inpatient side of medicine. There are important insights and signs that can assist outpatient and prehospital providers as well. Recognizing the early symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure can be crucial in any healthcare setting. By being aware of these signs, outpatient and prehospital providers can initiate timely interventions, make appropriate referrals, and potentially prevent serious complications. This comprehensive understanding ensures that patients receive prompt and effective care, regardless of where they first present with symptoms.

OAPA:
Why do you love being a PA?

Emily:
I love being a PA because it allows me to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives every day. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is educating patients. I firmly believe that a patient who truly understands their disease or disorder and the intended treatment or test is more likely to fully execute the plan and achieve better outcomes. This understanding empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare, leading to more successful and satisfying results. Working as a PA enables me to bridge the gap between complex medical information and patient comprehension, fostering a collaborative and informed approach to health and wellness.

OAPA:
What excites you about attending this conference?

Emily:
The organizers have put a lot of effort into making it better, spending countless hours to develop a conference that meets the needs of the attendees. As PAs, many of us struggle to make time to take care of ourselves. I am excited about the wellbeing sessions at the end of the conference. These sessions are a wonderful opportunity for us to focus on our own health and wellness, which is so often overlooked in our busy professional lives. I'm looking forward to gaining new insights and strategies for maintaining balance and wellbeing, which I can incorporate into my daily routine.

Find out more about the exciting agenda at the 2024 OAPA Annual Conference, then register to join in the fun!