PA/NP Panel
What is the difference between a Physician Assistant and a Nurse Practitioner? This panel of PAs and NPs will discuss common questions that pre-health students have about these professions regarding education, responsibilities, and specialities. In addition, panelists will share their own stories about their path and professional upcomings.
Elizabeth D. Roman, PA-C
Elizabeth Roman, PA- C graduated from Stanford School of Medicine Primary Care Physician Assistant Program. This is her second career, as she previously worked as a Forensic Chemist for Santa Clara County. She has been fortunate to have worked in Family Practice, OB/GYN, Cardiology, Outpatient Dialysis Clinics, and Urgent Care. She contributed much of her career to clinical research while working at the University of Southern California General Hospital focusing on Latino and African American youth, obesity, and diabetic risks. She is actively involved in the community and enjoys volunteering in underserved areas. She is currently a lead lecturer at Palo Alto Medical Foundation, where she teaches
preventative health and wellness classes. Ms. Roman also leads a clinical preceptorship program where she prepares Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant students from different medical programs with necessary clinical skills. She speaks fluent Spanish and frequently serves as a role model and educator
while discussing current health issues affecting the Latino population on local Spanish television channel, Telemundo. When not working, Liz enjoys running, cooking, martial arts, hula and Latin dance. Ms. Roman believes the greatest privilege is being able to help someone in need and that is why she chose this Medical Profession.
Brenda Castolo, NP
Brenda Castolo was born in L.A. Her parents, who were factory workers at the time, encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming a healthcare professional. In order to achieve that dream, Brenda went to Contra Costa Community College and applied to the nursing program offered there. Once she graduated from community college, Brenda began working as a nurse in the emergency department at Highland Hospital located in Oakland. After a working in the emergency department for a few years, she returned to school to earn her bachelor’s degree at John F. Kennedy University. Brenda decided to continue to advance her education and became CEN and trauma certified. She also obtained charge nurse experience. Brenda then proceeded to apply to and graduate from the UCSF Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG ACNP) Program. Brenda currently works at the Stanford Emergency Department as part of the Clinical Decision Unit.