Cara Zagel, PA-C

About Cara

Cara Zagel, PA-C, is a physician assistant with ValleyOrtho, where she works alongside Dr. Liotta and Dr. Potter. Cara earned her bachelor’s degree in integrative physiology from the University of Colorado Boulder and her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

A former athlete, Cara has long been interested in human movement, biomechanics and the musculoskeletal system. Having experienced sports injuries herself, she brings both clinical knowledge and personal perspective to her work with patients.

One of her favorite parts of medicine is connecting with patients — hearing their stories, understanding their goals and helping them return to the activities that matter most to them. “Staying active is such an important part of the lifestyle here in Colorado. My goal is to help each patient keep doing what they love for as long as they can,” Cara says.

Cara began her career as a physician assistant in Hawaii, where she gained broad experience in general orthopedics. She later practiced sports medicine in Colorado Springs, focusing primarily on shoulder, elbow and knee conditions.

Originally from the western suburbs of Chicago, childhood ski trips drew her and her family out to Colorado. “I always wanted to live in the mountains, and when I originally came to visit Valley View, I loved the culture and the community — I knew it was a great fit,” she says.

When she’s not working, you can find Cara skiing, hiking, spending time on the river, camping, mountain biking and traveling.