Valarie Giangarra is a licensed Physician Assistant in California with training in cardiology and cardiovascular disease management. She has clinical experience in outpatient cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and emergency medicine, supporting patients with a range of cardiac conditions.
Valarie has experience managing patients with chronic cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, and is trained in diagnostic interpretation, medication management, and coordinated care. Her background includes both surgical and outpatient settings, allowing her to support patients across multiple stages of care.
Background and Education
- Master of Science in Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies
Point Loma Nazarene University — San Diego, CA (December 2025) - Bachelor of Science in Public Health
University of Arizona — Tucson, AZ (December 2021)- Magna Cum Laude
Certifications and Licensure
- Physician Assistant License — State of California
- License #: PA67662
- NPI #: 1467201962
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) — PA-C
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Clinical Experience
Outpatient Cardiology
Dimitri Sherev, MD — San Diego, CA
- Managed outpatient visits for patients with chronic cardiovascular disease
- Participated in care of patients with heart failure (HFrEF and HFpEF)
- Assisted with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) optimization
- Ordered, reviewed, and interpreted cardiac diagnostics (EKG, echocardiogram, stress testing, ambulatory monitoring)
- Conducted follow-ups, medication reconciliation, and patient education
- Coordinated referrals and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams
Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery
Sharp Grossmont Hospital — San Diego, CA
- Assisted in operative procedures including valve repair/replacement, CABG, and vascular procedures
- Participated in post-operative ICU care and patient management
- Evaluated inpatient and ED consults with supervision
Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery
Rady Children’s Hospital — San Diego, CA
- Assisted in congenital cardiac procedures
- Participated in ICU rounds and post-operative care
- Supported outpatient follow-ups and patient/family education
Emergency Medicine
Scripps Encinitas Hospital — San Diego, CA
- Evaluated and managed acute medical conditions under supervision
- Assisted with procedures including wound repair and splinting
- Participated in patient triage and disposition planning
Additional Clinical Rotations
- Internal Medicine
- Family Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Women’s Health
- Behavioral Medicine
Clinical Skills & Competencies
- Cardiovascular disease management
- Heart failure management (HFrEF / HFpEF)
- Medication management and GDMT titration
- Cardiac diagnostic interpretation
- Patient education and follow-up care
- Care coordination and interdisciplinary collaboration
Professional Experience
Lead Medical Scribe
San Diego Cardiac Center — San Diego, CA (Jan 2022 – June 2023)
- Documented outpatient cardiology encounters
- Supported providers in high-volume clinic settings
- Trained and mentored new scribes
Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
- California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA)
- San Diego Society of Physician Assistants (SDSPA)
- Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (APACVS)
Technical & Language Skills
- EMR: Epic, Cerner, Allscripts
- Medical and conversational Spanish