Hands-On Health Careers Panel and Live Demonstration

Join us for an exciting in-person, hands-on panel, featuring UC Davis alumni! 

An HPA advisor will have each panelist introduce themselves, what profession they are in, why they selected that profession, and briefly describe a “day in the life…”. Afterwards, each panelists will demo how they would approach a patient. There will also be giveaways towards the end!

Register now to save your seat!

This is an excellent opportunity for attendees to explore careers and network with practicing professionals!

Our panel will feature health professionals from various fields, including an acupuncturist, physical therapist, athletic trainor, chiropractor, and occupational therapist. These careers all have the opportunity for a lot of patient interaction. Learn more about our panelists and their fields below. 

• Dr. Nathalie Valkov, PhD, LAc
• 

  Dr. Valkov is a primary care provider licensed in acupuncture by the state of California as well as the NCCAOM, and has a PhD in Oriental Medicine. Her goal is to help my patients keep their body in balance so that they can fight illness and feel their best. Additionally, Dr. Valkov is one of HPA's Advisory Board members! 
  
  Learn more about Dr. Valkov!
  
  Learn more about Acupuncture

• Ahmed Altashi, DPT (Physical Therapist)
•  In 2018, Ahmed received a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. He completed an orthopedics residency and achieved orthopedic clinical specialist certification in 2020. Ahmed enjoys participating in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and working in tournaments as part of medical staff combining professional interest working with athletes and his love for the sport. Outside professional career, Ahmed also enjoys hiking and golfing. 
   

  Doctorate in Physical Therapy, April 2018 
  University of St. Augustine – San Marcos, California

  Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency- 2019 
  University of Southern California-Curriculum  
   

  Learn more about Physical Therapy
• Lisa Varnum, MA ATC
• 

  Lisa Varnum has worked at UC Davis since 1989 and worked with all 25 intercollegiate athletic teams. Currently she works with women’s basketball and women’s golf in prevention, evaluation and rehabilitation of athletic injury. During her tenure, she utilizes a holistic team approach incorporating the patient, coaching staff, strength and conditioning staff and sports psychology to assist the quickest recovery possible for each patient in return to sport participation. Her background is in manual therapy, but also includes functional movement, exercise prescription and mobility. Another facet of her job at UC Davis is co-directing the Sports Medicine Student Internship Program for undergraduates. In this role, she instructs students interested in health care about sports medicine, providing a hands on application of skills in the actual clinic and practice field. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys reading, woodworking, gardening and spending time with family.
  
  Learn more about the UC Davis Sports Medicine Internship
  
  Learn more about Athletic Training
  
  New Athletic Training HPA website page coming soon!

• Dr. Lance Casazza, D.C.
• 

  A motivational speaker, author, entrepreneur, and past football player for UC Davis, Dr. Casazza brings to the panel a diverse range of experiences to complement his chiropractic experience!
  
  Learn more about Dr. Casazza!
  
  Learn more about Chiropractic Medicine

• Ashley D Valenzuela, MOT

• I graduated from UC Berkely in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in American Studies and a Minor in Education ( I thought I was going to be a teacher). After years of working in DME sales, I went back to school and attended Sameul Merritt University for Occupational Therapy. I graduated from Samuel Merrit in December of 2013 with a master's degree. Since graduating, I have worked for UC Davis Health. I started my career in the Neuro ICU and Neuro stepdown unit/floor. While those were my main floors, I also worked with people in the Trauma ICU, Trauma floor, and orthopedics floor. Following this, I became a lead therapist in the inpatient rehab unit at UC Davis where I worked with people with polyortho trauma, TBI, SCI, Stroke, and other neurological conditions. After 8 years of working in inpatient rehab, I moved to outpatient, at UC Davis, and am currently working as the outpatient occupational therapy TBI specialist. In addition to working with people who have traumatic brain injury (mild, moderate, and severe), I also work with people with acquired brain injury, SCI, stroke, FND, and other neurological impairments. I enjoy spending my time off with my two children, husband, and family. We love to be active and do all things outdoors. 
  
  Learn more about Occupational Therapy