Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
References
Timeline
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Talia  Elma

Talia Elma

Los Angeles,CA

Summary

Driven Physician Assistant student currently in the second year of PA school (clinical year), with a strong passion for pediatric care, specifically pediatric oncology. Bring a unique set of skill to patient care through clowning. Clowned across the country with Dr. Patch Adams, using humor, music, and play to bring joy to young patients in hospitals, nursing homes, women’s prisons, and other diverse settings. Known for connecting deeply with patients and creating a supportive, healing environment. Accepted into a competitive Emergency Medicine rotation at Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, California for March 2025. Rotations in Pediatrics, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Burn and Plastic Surgery, and Family Medicine completed or will be completed by May 2025.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Graduate Tutor

Touro University Nevada
Henderson, NV
07.2023 - Current
  • Conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions in graduate-level Immunology, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry courses for students in the Master of Medical Health Science (MHS) program.
  • Aided students in the anatomy cadaver lab.
  • Prepared handouts, study materials and other teaching aids.
  • Adapted teaching methods based on the ability level of each student while still maintaining high standards.
  • Taught note-taking techniques and test strategies.

School Nanny

Emma Kaushansky
Porter Ranch, CA
01.2021 - 05.2022
  • Organized activities such as games, crafts, outdoor play, and reading time for two children, ages 7 and 13 years.
  • I tutored both children in areas where they were struggling academically.
  • Assisted in preparing dinner meals for children according to their dietary requirements.
  • Transported children to and from school or other events when necessary.

Medical Assistant

Dermatology Associates Of Westlake Village
Westlake Village, CA
12.2020 - 12.2021
  • Obtained past medical history, chief complaints, and documented notes during patients' visits.
  • Assisted Physician in minor surgical procedures, including excisions and Mohs surgery.
  • Assisted PAs in skin biopsies, excisions, V-beam laser, IPL, microneedling, and Botox.
  • Wound dressings post-excision and changed dressings on wounds to prevent infection and check for healing.
  • Suture removal.
  • Explained treatment procedures and physicians' instructions.
  • Administered injections

Teacher

Valley Charter Middle School
Van Nuys, CA
10.2019 - 06.2020
  • Instructed 7th and 8th grade students in academic subjects such as life science, special education (SPED), and elective art.
  • Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.
  • Assessed student performance through tests, quizzes and other assessments.
  • Remained calm and patient in student interactions to support individual growth and development.
  • Managed student behavior in classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
  • Prepared and graded subject tests for students.

Court Appointed Special Advocate

Voices For Children in San Diego
San Diego, CA
08.2018 - 05.2020
  • Gathered information from family members, teachers, doctors, caseworkers. to help inform decisions made during cases.
  • Developed a rapport with my 14 yo female foster child through conversation and play activities.
  • Conducted regular visits to monitor the child's physical and emotional wellbeing.
  • Facilitated communication between parents and guardians and other parties involved in the court process.
  • Completed court reports and documentation and attended court hearings to advocate on behalf of the child's best interests.
  • Maintained detailed records of all interactions and court proceedings.

Electrical Engineering Lead

Hackathon
San Diego, CA
03.2019 - 06.2019
  • Competed in a hackathon: Electrical and Computer Engineering competition.
  • Our team (Team Pi) designed two devices that improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers of Parkinson's disease (PD). We created a low-cost and portable device designed for any walker as an attachment, synchronized with a life alert necklace. The device has a GPS module capable of keeping track of patient locations while sending alerts to caregivers upon request from the patient, or due to long-term freezes, while guiding the patients to get around obstacles. It is prudent to find solutions for more affordable care products for disorders such as PD, due to increases in medical care.

McNair Research Fellowship

University Of San Diego
San Diego, CA
12.2017 - 01.2019
  • Independent research on Alzheimer's disease in a wet lab was performed, along with animal-based research.
  • Preparation of specimens and tissue staining.
  • DNA isolation from cells, PCR amplification, and gel purification.
  • Animal brain dissection via microtome.
  • A scientific research proposal paper was submitted and published.
  • Poster presentations at multiple conferences.
  • My research focused on Alzheimer’s disease. My research has shown an immense correlation between Alzheimer’s disease and beta-amyloid plaques. We know that BDNF reverses synapse loss, partially normalizes aberrant gene expression, improves cell signaling, and restores. I tested a combination of two potentially potent therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD): Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and an anti-amyloid treatment (gamma-secretase modulator, GSM).

Medical Assistant

Rehab Wellness
Thousand Oaks, CA
04.2016 - 09.2016
  • Conducted patient interviews to gather health history, vital signs and information about current medical issues.
  • Operated electrocardiogram (EKG) and nerve conduction tests to administer diagnostic tests.
  • Performed basic laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood glucose monitoring, and performed venipuncture.
  • Performed IM and/or SubQ injections, and venipuncture.
  • Maintained cleanliness of the office area, exam rooms and other areas in accordance with infection control standards.

Embedded Tutor

Pierce Community College
Woodland Hills, CA
09.2013 - 06.2016
  • I attended to students in the classroom for Anatomy, Biology, and Physiology classes to maximize academic support.
  • Addressed students' academic questions and concerns, providing clear and concise explanations.
  • Assisted individual students with one-on-one STEM tutoring sessions for 20 hours per week at the Center for Academic Success Tutoring Center.
  • Presented tutoring workshops and academic support sessions for small groups.
  • Anatomy Cadaver Lab Assistant; prosected and dissected cadavers at different levels for students to learn about each of the three systems.

Summer Internship Student: UCLA SMDEP

UCLA School of Medicine
Westwood, CA
06.2014 - 08.2014
  • Six-week intensive summer internship program: Summer Medical and Dental Program (SMDEP) at UCLA School of Medicine.
  • Examined a variety of healthcare issues affecting medically underserved communities through problem-based learning cases, lectures, clinical experiences, small-group discussions, and conducted a research project on Diabetes prevention in underserved communities.
  • Held free healthcare events in Carson, which offered BP checks, HIV tests, diabetes checks, and eye tests.
  • Taught strategies on preventative care for Type 2 diabetes in Crenshaw and Harbor City.

Care Extender Volunteer

UCLA School of Medicine
Los Angeles, CA
10.2012 - 01.2014

• I learned about medicine by shadowing multiple physicians in the fields of Neurology, Pediatrics, Cardiology, and Labor and Delivery at Santa Monica Orthopedic Hospital and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

• Assisted the nurses with making beds, performing basic healthcare procedures to ensure quality patient care, taking vitals, and handling administrative work.

• Assisted the elderly at nursing homes with their basic necessities, such as eating and showering, in order to provide comfort, hygiene, and care for the elderly who needed it.

Education

Master of Science - Physician Assistant

Touro University Nevada
Henderson, NV
11-2025

Master of Science - Medical Health Sciences

Touro University Nevada
Henderson, NV
05-2023

Bachelor of Science - Neuroscience

University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
09-2019

Bachelor of Science - Physiology

University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
09-2019

Skills

  • Patient-centered care
  • Compassion and empathy
  • Medical procedures, including suturing, splinting, wound care, venipuncture, injections, hormone pellet therapy, I&Ds, skin grafts, and transpositional flaps
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Detail-oriented
  • Creative problem solving

Affiliations

I love baking, particularly french pastries such as chocolate croissants topped with raspberry jam or french macarons. When I’m not in the kitchen, I’m out in the water, surfing or playing tennis. I also love bringing laughter and joy to others through clowning around the world with Dr. Patch Adams, embracing the playful and theatrical side of life.

Accomplishments

  • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Physician Assistant Scholarship
  • Engelstad Endowed Scholarship
  • Denno Hope Scholarship
  • Kathryn Lane Alumni Scholarship
  • Triton Research and Experiential Learning Scholars Program (TRELS) Scholarship
  • Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
  • Revelle College Global Seminar & Study Abroad Scholarship
  • Ernest Mort Study Abroad Scholarship
  • SACNAS Research Travel Scholarship
  • Anne Gelvoria Scholarship
  • National Engaged Leader Award (NSLS).

Certification

  • BLS Certified
  • ACLS Certified
  • Phlebotomy License

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Elementary

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Graduate Tutor

Touro University Nevada
07.2023 - Current

School Nanny

Emma Kaushansky
01.2021 - 05.2022

Medical Assistant

Dermatology Associates Of Westlake Village
12.2020 - 12.2021

Teacher

Valley Charter Middle School
10.2019 - 06.2020

Electrical Engineering Lead

Hackathon
03.2019 - 06.2019

Court Appointed Special Advocate

Voices For Children in San Diego
08.2018 - 05.2020

McNair Research Fellowship

University Of San Diego
12.2017 - 01.2019

Medical Assistant

Rehab Wellness
04.2016 - 09.2016

Summer Internship Student: UCLA SMDEP

UCLA School of Medicine
06.2014 - 08.2014

Embedded Tutor

Pierce Community College
09.2013 - 06.2016

Care Extender Volunteer

UCLA School of Medicine
10.2012 - 01.2014

Master of Science - Physician Assistant

Touro University Nevada

Master of Science - Medical Health Sciences

Touro University Nevada

Bachelor of Science - Neuroscience

University of San Diego

Bachelor of Science - Physiology

University of San Diego
Talia Elma