AAMS’ 1st Annual Healthcare Professional Wellness Symposium Speakers

Dr. Alen Voskanian

Topic: Reclaiming the Joy of Medicine
Presented By: Dr. Alen Voskanian

Vice president and chief operating officer of Cedars-Sinai Medical Network, Dr. Alen Voskanian, will be speaking on "Reclaiming The Joy of Medicine: Finding Purpose Fulfillment and Happiness in Today's Medical Industry," addressing healthcare burnout and holistic remedies for improved wellness. Dr. Voskanian is board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Family Medicine, and is an HIV specialist certified by the Academy of HIV Medicine.

He has served as an innovation advisor for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) and provides oversight of clinical, administrative, and educational activities at CSMG with a focus of optimizing the patient-centered nature of the practice.

Dr. Alen Voskanian, presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Dr. Astkhik Zakian

Topic: "Practicing Meditations: Its Effect and Quality is Dose-Dependent"
Presented By: Dr. Astkhik Zakian

Dr. Astkhik Zakian (PharmD, Pharmacist, Adjunct Assistant Professor) is a Sr. Clinical Pharmacist at Anthem. Over the past 19 years, she has supported various initiatives involving Specialty Pharmacy and Pharmacy benefit designs. She is also an Assistant Adjunct Professor at USC’s Master of Science program, and teaches managed care and specialty pharmaceutical management electives at local pharmacy schools.

Dr. Astkhik Zakian received her Bachelors of Science degree from UCLA, and her PharmD from the University of Southern California (USC). Dr. Zakian is an active member of Armenian American Medical Society, Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, and the pharmacy community. 

Dr. Astkhik Zakian, presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

 

 

Chutney Berry

Topic: Cleanse Your Mind
Presented By: Chutney Berry

Chutney Berry has been practicing and teaching yoga for 27 years, helping clients achieve higher consciousness. Chutney will take us through a "Cleanse Your Mind With a Mental Shower" session, showcasing meditation and relaxation techniques.

Chutney's background includes meditation teaching at UCLA's Neuroscience department during clinical trials targeting the effects of meditation on dementia, memory loss, and Alzheimer's, and teaching on the use of meditation and yoga to address mental stress and imbalances.

Chutney Berry, presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Zepure Kouyoumdjian

Topic: Urban Zen Integrative Therapy
Presented By: Zepure Kouyoumdjian

Zepure Kouyoumdjian is a Yogaworks 500 Hour certified instructor, Urban Zen Integrative Therapist, and Reiki Master practitioner and coach. She has been practicing yoga since 2005 and teaching since 2014.

She will take us through an “Urban Zen Integrative Therapy,” session, which combines gentle movements with breath awareness, body awareness meditation, and the use of essential oils, reiki healing hands, and restorative postures.

Zepure Kouyoumdjian, presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

 

Dr. Talar TejirianTopic: "Health Care Practitioner Wellness: Minimizing Injury & Increasing Career Longevity"
Presented By: Dr. Talar Tejirian

Dr. Talar Tejirian is a board-certified general surgeon with over 15 years of experience treating patients with surgical concerns. Her areas of special interest consists of complex abdominal wall reconstruction and anorectal health. After experiencing a career-altering permanent nerve injury, Dr. Tejirian switched her focus to promoting health and wellness for surgeons and the public. She will be speaking on physical health for injury prevention to help increase career longevity. 

With a double major in psychology and neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles and a medical degree from the University of San Francisco, California, Dr. Tejirian is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Previously she was a clinical instructor for medical students and resident surgeons.

She is a published author of numerous peer-reviewed research studies and book chapters in surgical textbooks. She regularly lectures at surgical conferences nationally and across the globe, and also organizes international surgical conferences that include both education taught by world-renowned faculty and surgeon wellness activities. She is excited to bring her unique vision of wellness activities to the AAMS in this ground-breaking conference as both speaker and course director.

Dr. Talar Tejirian, presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Dr. Harry BalianTopic: "Cardiac Benefits of Wellness"
Presented By: Dr. Harry Balian

Dr. Harry Balian (MD, FACC, FSCAI) is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Nuclear Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology and Vascular Medicine. Dr. Balian specializes in heart disease treatment, pacemaker insertions, coronary artery percutaneous interventions, and peripheral vascular interventions including carotid stents, renal stents, endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm stents, and lower extremity angioplasties.

Dr. Balian is the chairman of the Department of Cardiology and the director of the Structural Heart Program at Glendale Adventist, where he introduced the TAVR (percutaneous aortic valve replacement) program.

He is also a member of the Executive Committee of AAMS, the medical director of the Cardiac Cath Lab at Glendale Adventist's Heart and Vascular Institute, a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the Society of Coronary Angioplasty and Interventions and the American Heart Association, and an Associate Clinical Professor at Western University School of Medicine.

Dr. Harry Balian, presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Antigua Samuelson

Topic: Feel Powerful and Relieve Stress Through Boxing and Self-Defense
Presented By: Antigua Samuelson

Antigua Samuelson is passionate about exercise and wellness and has been in the Personal Training Business for five years in the LA area, and Eight years training in self-defense & martial arts, including Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kung-fu, Boxing, and Judo/Wrestling.

With 2 Muay Thai competitions under her belt, she has a 2-0 record earning 2 Medals! She is a Certified Personal Trainer from NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). In addition, she is a Group Class Instructor, Kids Kickboxing Instructor and conducts virtual kickboxing and HIIT sessions for clients throughout the U.S.!

Antigua Samuelson, presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Paul Wirth

 

Topic: Central Equilibrium: Tai Chi Principles in Ordinary Posture and Movement
Presented By: Paul Wirth

Certified Advanced Rolfer ® Paul Wirth is a practitioner of manual therapy and movement education.

His work incorporates his background in rolfing alongside osteopathic manual manipulation and Tai Chi to engage the structural and functional organization of the body and to help his clients at his practice, Mosaic Bodywork, establish efficient posture and movement patterns, relieve pain, and address joint and structural dysfunctions.

Paul Wirth presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Dr. Tsolag Kazandjian

Topic: "Making Sense of Acupuncture"

Presented By: Dr. Tsolag Kazandjian

Dr. Tsolag Kazandjian is a Chiropractic and licensed Acupuncturist and the founder of Sol Spine and Injury, which has been serving the communities of Burbank and Glendale since 2007, with a current focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute injuries from auto collisions, occupation, and sports.

Dr. Kazandjian regularly assists patients with improving wellness, athletic performance, and chronic pain, alongside providing seminars and educational events on the role of acupuncture in injury improvement.

Dr. Tsolag Kazandjian, presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Dr. Nicholas Tavoukjian

Topic: "Stronger, Longer: The Science of Strength for Healthy Aging"

Presented By: Dr. Nicholas Tavoukjian

Dr. Nicholas Tavoukjian is a certified athletic trainer with 10+ years of injury prevention, rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning experience. He is a PhD candidate in rehabilitation and movement science at Azusa Pacific University (APU) and works as an adjunct professor in APU’s Department of Kinesiology.

He specializes in developmental kinesiology and human performance, and is focusing his doctoral work on the physical literacy of children in Armenia. Nick is the founding CEO of the Armenian American Sports Medicine Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to building sports medicine, exercise science, and rehabilitation capacity in Armenia and Artsakh.

Dr. Nick Tavoukjian, presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Dr. Alen Heshmat

Topic: Chiropractic and Non-invasive Pain Management

Presented By: Dr. Alen Heshmat

Dr. Alen Heshmat is a doctor of chiropractic specializing in nerve, muscle, and join issues, with a focus on preventative care, immediate pain relief techniques, and providing permanent wellness solutions to patients through personalized and customized treatments.

Dr. Heshmat is certified in electro Acuscope and Myopulse Techniques, and provides chiropractic services, sports medicine, and treatment for headaches, shoulder pain, lower back pain, neck pain, extremity paint, and sports injury treatments at the Heshmat Pain Management Clinic in Glendale, California.

Dr. Alen Heshmat, presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Massage therapist Jessica Estrada

Topic: "Beyond Relaxation: The Holistic Benefits of Massage For Physical and Mental Health"

Presented By:  Jessica Estrada

Jessica Estrada is a licensed massage therapist. She specializes in helping clients manage chronic pain, recover from injuries, and reduce stress through a range massage modalities including Swedish massage, deep tissue, sports massage, lymphatic drainage, aromatherapy, and trigger point therapy.

She also incorporates techniques such as myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, acupressure, and stretching to create customized treatment plans. Estrada is also a certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach, providing personalized Ayurvedic diet and nutrition plans to help clients achieve a healthy lifestyle through natural and organic products.

Jessica Estrada, presenter for this educational event, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.