Talia Elma
Las Vegas
Summary
Scientifically trained healthcare professional with advanced education in physiology, neuroscience, and medical health sciences, combined with extensive hands-on experience in molecular diagnostics, microbiology, and specimen analysis. Demonstrates a strong foundation in hematology, clinical chemistry, and microbiology, with technical proficiency in PCR, tissue analysis, and laboratory workflows. Experienced in analyzing specimens, recognizing patterns in laboratory data, and correlating results with clinical findings to support accurate and timely diagnostic decision-making. Detail-oriented and highly analytical, with a strong commitment to quality, data integrity, and adherence to standard operating procedures. Seeking to contribute to Dignity Health as a Medical Laboratory Scientist while pursuing MLS (ASCP) certification and supporting high-quality, patient-centered laboratory services.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Inpatient / Outpatient
Behavioral Health
12.2025 - 01.2026
- Conducted psychiatric histories, mental status exams, and suicide risk assessments; assisted in management of mood, anxiety, psychotic, and substance use disorders
- Participated in medication monitoring, safety planning, and interdisciplinary care with psychiatry, social work, and nursing
- 1 month
Inpatient / OR & Outpatient Clinic
Neurosurgery
11.2025 - 12.2025
- Assisted in the operating room for cervical and lumbar laminectomies, spinal fusion procedures, artificial disc replacement, and insertion of spinal cord stimulator implants; performed one-handed knot tying and assisted with surgical instrumentation
- Managed an average of 15–20 patients per day in the outpatient clinic, including post-operative, including wound assessments, dressing changes, staple and suture removal
- Evaluated patients with traumatic brain injury, spinal pathology, and acute neurological deficits; performed focused neurological examinations and interpreted spinal X-rays, CT, and MRI imaging
- 1 month
Outpatient
Women’s Health
10.2025 - 11.2025
- Performed gynecologic histories and pelvic exams; assisted with Pap smears, STI screening, contraceptive counseling, and prenatal visits
- Evaluated common conditions including abnormal uterine bleeding, vaginitis, and urinary complaints; provided patient-centered reproductive health education
- 1 month
Outpatient
Community Medicine
09.2025 - 10.2025
- Provided care in community-based settings focusing on preventative health and chronic illnesses in underserved populations
- Performed histories, physical exams, and basic health screenings
- Identified social determinants of health impacting patient care and access to resources
- Educated patients on disease prevention, health maintenance, and lifestyle modification
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and community resources to support continuity of care
- Documented patient encounters in EMR in a community health setting
- 1 month
Outpatient
Internal Medicine – Endocrinology
08.2025 - 09.2025
- Managed patients with diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, and metabolic conditions; reviewed A1C values, glucose logs, endocrine labs, and interpret continuous blood glucose graphs.
- Assisted with medication management including insulin regimens and oral agents; provided education on disease management and lifestyle modification
- 1 month
Inpatient
Internal Medicine – ICU
07.2025 - 08.2025
- Participated in care of critically ill patients with sepsis, respiratory failure, and multi-organ dysfunction; reviewed labs, imaging, ABGs, and ventilator settings
- Attended daily interdisciplinary rounds; assisted with progress notes, medication reconciliation, and care coordination
- 1 month
Inpatient
Pediatrics
04.2025 - 05.2025
- Performed wellness exams on pediatric patients from ages (0 months–18 years).
- Evaluated and managed pediatric chronic and acute illnesses.
- Performed age-appropriate histories, physical exams, and developmental assessments
- Interpreted common labs and screenings to support clinical decision-making
- Administered immunizations and provided anticipatory guidance to patients and families
- Educated parents on disease management, nutrition, and preventative care
- Documented patient encounters in EMR in a fast-paced outpatient setting
- 1 month
Emergency Department (U.S.–Mexico Border)
Emergency Medicine
03.2025 - 04.2025
- Managed and treated a high-volume, high-acuity patient population, including a large incarcerated patient population, presenting with trauma, infections, chest pain, abdominal pain, and psychiatric emergencies
- Performed over a dozen laceration repairs involving digits, lip, palm, arm, leg, and scalp; completed staple placement and removal, suture removal, incision and drainage, and comprehensive wound care
- Performed regional anesthesia including digital and mental nerve blocks; assisted with advanced procedures such as PICC line placement and paracentesis under supervision; presented cases and documented care in the EMR
- 1 month
Outpatient
Family Medicine
01.2025 - 03.2025
- Managed an average of 25–30 patients per day, performing comprehensive histories and physicals across the lifespan for acute and chronic conditions
- Interpreted laboratory studies and imaging including X-rays, CT, and MRI; developed differential diagnoses and assessment/plan under supervision
- Independently performed in-office procedures including hormone pellet insertions, Kenalog injections, Pap smears, clinical breast exams, incision and drainage, wound care, and laceration repair with suturing
- 3 months
Inpatient / OR
Plastic & Burn Surgery
12.2024 - 01.2025
- Assisted in the operating room for reconstructive and burn-related procedures, including creation of transpositional flaps, skin grafting, and breast reconstruction
- Performed and assisted with technical plastic surgery skills including wound packing, deep wound debridement, and complex wound management
- Assisted in below-the-knee and toe amputations; participated in perioperative patient care, post-operative evaluations, and patient education regarding wound care and recovery
- 1 month
Graduate Tutor – Physician Assistant & Medical Hea
Touro University Nevada
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Provided one-on-one and small group tutoring to Physician Assistant and Master of Medical Health Science students in subjects including clinical medicine, pharmacology, pathophysiology, anatomy, and diagnostic reasoning.
- Assisted students with exam preparation, study strategies, time management, and comprehension of complex medical concepts.
- Simplified difficult material into organized, easy-to-understand explanations tailored to individual learning styles.
- Supported students in developing clinical reasoning, patient assessment, and differential diagnosis skills.
- Collaborated with faculty and academic staff to identify areas where students needed additional support.
- Maintained professionalism, confidentiality, and a supportive learning environment while mentoring peers.
Medical Assistant
Dermatology Associates of Westlake Village
12.2020 - 01.2021
- Patient intake, vital signs, and EMR documentation in a high-volume dermatology practice
- Administration of intramuscular and subcutaneous injections
- Assisted in dermatologic surgical procedures
- Suture removal and wound care
- Post-operative patient education, medication refills, and biologic prior authorizations
Medical Assistant
Rehab Wellness
04.2016 - 09.2016
- Recorded vital signs, roomed patients, assisted providers, and managed scheduling
- Assisted in patient intake processes, ensuring accurate data entry and documentation.
- Prepared examination rooms, maintaining cleanliness and readiness for patient visits.
Education
Master of Science - Physician Assistant Studies
Touro University Nevada
Henderson, NV02.2026
Master of Science - Medical Health Sciences
Touro University Nevada
Henderson, NV05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Physiology & Neuroscience
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA09.2019
No Degree - Physics, Study Abroad
University of Sussex
Brighton, England08.2019
Skills
Laboratory & Technical Skills
- PCR testing, Gel electrophoresis, & molecular diagnostics
- Microbiology culturing, bacterial identification, and Specimen handling & processing
- Tissue staining techniques (immunohistochemistry)
- Microtome tissue sectioning
Clinical Laboratory Knowledge
- Hematology (CBC interpretation, blood cell morphology)
- Clinical chemistry (electrolytes, metabolic panels)
- Microbiology (culture techniques, organism identification)
- Knowledge of transfusion medicine principles including ABO/Rh typing, compatibility, and antibody screening concepts
Clinical & Systems Skills
- Interpreted laboratory values including CBC, metabolic panels, and infectious disease testing to support clinical decision-making
- Electronic Medical Records: EPIC, eClinicalWorks, AdvancedMD
- Microsoft Excel (data tracking and analysis)
Accomplishments
- Awarded multiple competitive academic scholarships, including the HRSA Scholarship, Engelstad Endowed Scholarship, and Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- Selected as a Graduate Tutor for Physician Assistant and Medical Health Sciences programs
- Conducted and presented independent research in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s)
- Recognized for leadership and advocacy as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
- Designed and developed an assistive medical device during an engineering hackathon
- Founded and led an international initiative to establish a language education program for underserved children in Costa Rica
Affiliations
- American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Member
- National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) Member
Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) | Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) | Phlebotomy License
INTERNSHIPS & HEALTH PROFESSION EDUCATION PROGRAMS
- UCLA Care Extender Internship – Santa Monica UCLA Orthopedic Hospital
- Intern |October 2012 – January 2014
- Assisted nursing staff with basic patient care, vital signs, and patient transport
- Shadowed physicians in Neurology, Cardiology, Radiology, and Labor & Delivery
- Supported elderly patients in nursing home and long-term care settings
- Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA | June 2014 – August 2014
- Completed an intensive six-week program focused on foundational medical sciences and early clinical exposure
- Participated in community health outreach providing blood pressure screenings, HIV testing, diabetes screenings, and vision checks
- Delivered patient education on Type 2 diabetes prevention
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
HRSA Scholarship; Engelstad Endowed Scholarship; Kathryn Lane Alumni Scholarship; Kevin Starks Memorial Scholarship; Orion Scholarship; Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship; Triton Research and Experiential Learning Scholars Program (TRELS); Revelle College Global Seminar & Study; Ernest Mort Study Abroad Scholarship; Denno Hope Scholarship; SACNAS Travel Scholarship; Anne Gelvoria Scholarship; National Engaged Leader Award (NSLS)
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Inpatient / Outpatient
Behavioral Health
12.2025 - 01.2026
Inpatient / OR & Outpatient Clinic
Neurosurgery
11.2025 - 12.2025
Outpatient
Women’s Health
10.2025 - 11.2025
Outpatient
Community Medicine
09.2025 - 10.2025
Outpatient
Internal Medicine – Endocrinology
08.2025 - 09.2025
Inpatient
Internal Medicine – ICU
07.2025 - 08.2025
Inpatient
Pediatrics
04.2025 - 05.2025
Emergency Department (U.S.–Mexico Border)
Emergency Medicine
03.2025 - 04.2025
Outpatient
Family Medicine
01.2025 - 03.2025
Inpatient / OR
Plastic & Burn Surgery
12.2024 - 01.2025
Graduate Tutor – Physician Assistant & Medical Hea
Touro University Nevada
05.2023 - 08.2024
Medical Assistant
Dermatology Associates of Westlake Village
12.2020 - 01.2021
Medical Assistant
Rehab Wellness
04.2016 - 09.2016
Master of Science - Physician Assistant Studies
Touro University Nevada
Master of Science - Medical Health Sciences
Touro University Nevada
Bachelor of Science - Physiology & Neuroscience
University of California, San Diego
No Degree - Physics, Study Abroad
University of Sussex