September 20, 2025
LOCATION
Caruthers High School
2580 W. Tahoe Avenue
Caruthers, CA 93609
Conference Times
High School
8:30am to 11:30am
Middle School
10:30am to 1:30pm
Click Here to view pdf version of program
REMINDER: This is a mandatory event for all Junior Doctors Academy and Doctors Academy students in accordance with the parent/student handbook. Check with your JDA/DA teacher or site coordinator for site requirements.
Masks are recommended.
What to expect:
- Resource fair including health and community organizations.
- Workshops focusing on health topics, wellness, college preparation, financial aid & budgeting, and more!
- Food and refreshments served.
Who should attend:
Registration is only open to students currently enrolled in the Junior Doctors Academy, the Doctors Academy, and their parent/guardian; plus invited pathway students in partnering school sites. Siblings may attend but childcare is not provided.
HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE
| 8 am | High School | Check-In OPENS |
| 8:30 am | High School | Welcome & Keynote |
| 9 am | High School | Sessions for Students and Parents |
| 10:30 am | Brunch Break and Resource Fair |
| 11:30 am | High School | Conference Ends |
MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE
| 10 am | Middle School | Check-In OPENS |
| 10:30 am | Brunch Break and Resource Fair |
| 11:30 am | Middle School | Welcome & Keynote |
| 12 pm | Middle School | Sessions for Students and Parents |
| 1:30 pm | Middle School | Conference Ends |
Student Sessions by Grade Level
7th Grade Student Session
Brushing Up on Dentistry
Explore a variety of stations related to dental hygiene care and careers. Learn about how diet can affect your oral health and how you can become an advocate among friends and family to share information.
In Partnership with: Katina Alfieris, DDS, Martin Nahigian, DDS and the Pre-Dental Club at Fresno State (CHSU)
8th Grade Student Session
Operation Labubu: Mass Casualty Challenge
A giant Labubu has attacked! This mass-casualty simulation, inspired by the Labubu “attack” at Caruthers High School, gives student first responders a hands-on chance to assist “victims” with wound care, CPR, head trauma, sprains, and more. Plus explore a Sheriff’s helicopter. Deputies will explain its lifesaving role in search-and-rescue and law enforcement.
In Partnership with: Samuel Merritt University-Fresno Campus and Fresno County Sheriff's Office
9th Grade Student Session
Future Healers: Hands-On with Med School Simulations
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a medical student? Get inspired as CHSU students guide you through real simulation stations where you’ll practice medical skills and see firsthand what it takes to step into the world of healthcare.
In Partnership with: California Health Sciences University (CHSU)
10th Grade Student Session
Operation Labubu: Mass Casualty Challenge
A giant Labubu has attacked! This mass-casualty simulation, inspired by the Labubu “attack” at Caruthers High School, gives student first responders a hands-on chance to assist “victims” with wound care, CPR, head trauma, sprains, and more. Plus explore a Sheriff’s helicopter. Deputies will explain its lifesaving role in search-and-rescue and law enforcement.
In Partnership with: Samuel Merritt University-Fresno Campus and Fresno County Sheriff's Office
11th Grade Student Session
Stitch it Up!
Get ready for a suture activity designed to introduce you to basic surgical techniques using surgical tools and simulated blood that mirrors real-life medical procedures. This guided session goes beyond observation, allowing students to practice precision, focus, and problem-solving skills that healthcare professionals use every day.
In Partnership with: HealthForce Partnerships
12th Grade Student Session
The Future of Medical Education in the SJV
Join Foundations 1 (F1) Faculty from UC Merced’s Department of Medical Education (DOME) as they share how medical education is evolving in California’s Central Valley via the SJV PRIME+ BS/MD program. Through real-life case studies & faculty-led lectures, the session will highlight innovative approaches, community partnerships, and lessons learned that prepare future physicians to address local and regional health needs.
In Partnership with: UC Merced Department of Medical Education (DOME) Foundations 1 (F1) Faculty Susan DeReimer, PhD and Julia Alvarez, PhD
Parent Sessions
Spanish language interpretation for each session was provided by La Cosecha and Caruthers Unified School District.
Valley Fever Susceptibility and Heat Illness Safety for Farm Workers in the San Joaquin Valley
Learn how to keep your family and community safe from Valley Fever and heat illness— Join us for an engaging session where you’ll learn the facts about Valley Fever and heat illness, ask questions, and test your knowledge in a lively Jeopardy game designed to make safety simple and memorable.
Presented By: La Cosecha
- Nicole Garza, MS2
- Avneet Mandair MS2
- Citlali Lopez, MS2
- Anayeli Rojas, MS2
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Yolanda Tinajero, M.D. Associate Director, San Joaquin Valley PRIME; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, UCSF
Feeding Smarts: Busting Nutrition Myths for Families
This engaging session, led by a registered dietitian nutritionist, helps families cut through the noise of conflicting nutrition messages. Learn what dietitians do and how their expertise differs from online “nutrition influencers,” while, highlighting the importance of balanced, science-based eating. Families will walk away with strategies for identifying trustworthy sources of nutrition information, debunk common diet fads and myths with practical tools to make informed, confident food choices.
Presented By: Lisa Herzig, PhD, RDN, CDCES, Didactic Director, Fresno State University
Fentanyl in Our Community: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Fentanyl can impact any family—but knowledge is your best defense. In this workshop, a police detective shares frontline insights while a substance use navigator guides you through hands-on naloxone training. Leave prepared to spot the warning signs and act quickly to protect a life.
Presented By: Chaia Vang, Navigator Engagement Coordinator - Mentor, CA Bridge, Community Regional Medical Center and Detective Dean Cardinale, Fresno Police Department
Resource Fair
Central California Blood Center
California Health Sciences University (CHSU)
College of Sequoias (COS) Hanford
CSU Stanislaus
Fresno Family Chiropractic
Family Healthcare Network
Fresno City College - Admissions and Allied Health
Fresno County Library
Fresno EOC Health Services
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno State University
HealthForce Partnerships
Lemoore College
Power CA Action
Reedley Community College
UC Berkeley
UC Davis Admissions and SJV PRIME+ BS/MD
UC Merced
