Optometry/Dentistry
Interested in learning more about how to get involved in dentistry or optometry from current doctors in those fields? Come to this workshop and learn about the importance of minorities in the dental and optometry industries, and what made these doctors pursue careers in dentistry and optometry!
Dr. Magana, OD
Dr. Maria Elena Magaña is an optometrist from Salinas, CA. She attended UC Berkeley where she graduated with her B.A in Sociology in 2007. While completing her pre-optometry requirements she went on to earn an A.S degree in Biological Sciences with high honors from Contra Costa Community College in 2009. She received her Doctorate of Optometry with Cum Laude honors from Southern California College of Optometry in 2014 and went on to complete a one year Community Based Family Practice Optometry residency program at the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2015. She earned her Fellowship into the American Academy of Optometry shortly thereafter. She currently practices at La Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas.
Dr. Nam
Dr. Daniel Nam graduated from UCLA with a BA in Piano performance in 1996 and then UOP School of Dentistry in 2002. Currently he has private practices in SF and Oakland. He served as the Director of Dental Services at the Berkeley Free Clinic Dental Section where he served homeless and low income families from 2003-2017. In December 2016, Dr. Nam and his team started Just Health 510 a nonprofit clinic in downtown Oakland, CA who's mission is: To empower people every day to live a happy and healthy life, by providing complete oral health care regardless of ability to pay. Dr. Nam is staff dentist at Alta Bates Medical Center-Summit and Ashby campuses working with the Emergency Department, ICU, oncology and rehab departments. He is also on the Clinical faculty at UOP School of Dentistry where he teaches on Monday evenings. Dr. Nam is committed to alleviating suffering from dental pain, trauma, and fear. He is a diehard fan of UCLA sports and enjoys playing tennis, golf and his piano in his spare time.
Dr. Cao-Nguyen
Johnny Cao-Nguyen graduated from CSU Long Beach with a BS in Molecular Cell Biology & Physiology and is currently finishing his second year as an optometry student at UC Berkeley. His journey toward becoming an optometrist started at the age of 18 when he was misdiagnosed with glaucoma. After realizing that he wouldn't eventually lose his eyesight however, he become devoted to helping others avoid the same possible fate. Prior to optometry school, he served as coordinator of his institution's pre-optometry club, where he established a frame donation program across campus, while also working as an optometric technician at multiple fast-paced private practices in Westminster, CA. This summer, he will begin interning at the University Eye Center on campus, where he will be seeing patients on his own. Johnny's other involvement in the optometry community include participating in research at Boston University School of Medicine, acting as President of his graduating class, and volunteering at local vision screenings.