In October, Loyola Marymount University Career and Professional Development co-hosted an alumni panel with the LMU Health and Human Sciences Society. The LMU alumni panel came from diverse healthcare careers to offer a mix of experiences and advice, providing a rich tapestry of insights for students poised to enter the healthcare field.
The panelists, ranging from public health specialists to clinical therapists, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary learning and early career planning. Ciara Freeman (BA ’20) is a Community Program Specialist for the city of Long Beach. She described her journey from communications to public health to highlight to students the power and value of adapting skills that aren’t strictly ascribed to the sciences to various healthcare sectors. Indeed, Schelsey Mahammadie-Sabet (MA ’21) echoed the strength of having a wide range of skills and interests. Mahammadie-Sabet is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist who integrates who skillsets as an artist and therapist to provide aid and counseling to families. Samantha Valtek (BSc ’12) who majored in Natural Sciences and minored in Studio Art and completed her undergraduate thesis with Dr. Hawley Almstedt agrees. Valtek is now the Director of Occupational Therapy Services at Spectrum Psych and credits her diverse range of interests for strengthening her ability to care for patients (and also appeal to admission committees!).
Another key component of cracking the healthcare industry that the panel highlighted is the importance of networking and building relationships. Alumni Jason Whitman (BSc ’08) journeyed from Natural Sciences to getting his Doctor of Physical Therapy from USC to working with the Dallas Cowboys and now to owning his own Physical Therapy clinic, Positive Physical Therapy. He, like other panelists, emphasized the importance of seeking guidance and seizing opportunities. At every step, Whitman highlighted the role networking and mentees played to help him succeed in his goals and dreams. Panelists concurred that building strong connections with mentors and peers is crucial for navigating the complex healthcare landscape. Sophia Scattaglia (BSc ’19) also agreed with that sentiment and emphasized how important it is to have support from friends and mentors when enduring challenging times. Scattaglia, who also worked with Dr. Almstedt as an undergraduate, is returning to the HHSC department to teach courses in Nutrition this spring.
All the panelists agreed that the route into a job in healthcare is never linear. In fact, it is more often circuitous than direct. Daniel Georgie (BSc ’10) is a doctor at Olive-View UCLA who described to students the value in taking strategic gap years to help bolster one’s application, complete prerequisites, and prepare for entrance exams like the MCAT. Valtek, Freeman, and Mahammadie-Sabet all nodded in agreement that focusing on the process, not the outcome, and being passionate is essential to succeed in the healthcare industry. Gabby Trujillo (’25) who is the HHSC Society president and helped organized the panel, found the panel to be “an encouragement to keep working harder.” For Trujillo, “being able to see that the alumni make it in the healthcare field makes it feel 100% possible.” She also said she realized how important it was to step out of one’s comfort zone in order to seek out opportunities to self-development.
One key takeaway from the student attendees is that there is wide demand for alumni panels. LMU CPD reported over 50 students in attendance, many of whom stayed after to speak with the panelists. Some panelists even offered interning or shadowing opportunities on the spot because of the passion the students demonstrated. Vanessa Rosales of LMU CPD is working together with the HHSC Society to host another panel in the spring.
