Professional Background and Qualifications
Valentina Lanser, BA MA
Professional Profile
My professional experience began with training as a Medical Massage Therapist, followed by work in physiotherapy, rehabilitation-related and spa settings in Austria and Italy. These roles involved direct interaction with patients, clients and guests, the delivery of treatments within my professional qualifications, and practical responsibility for appointments, documentation and day-to-day service organisation.
I subsequently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Health Management in Tourism and a Master’s degree in International Health & Social Management. Through these studies, my interests developed towards patient and service-user experiences, health services research and the use of research evidence to understand and improve care delivery. My academic research experience includes qualitative interviews, qualitative analysis and a JBI-guided scoping review; these were undertaken as part of my university studies, rather than as previous employment in a research post.
Professional Experience
Naturhotel Leitlhof · San Candido (Innichen), Italy
Spa Therapist and Spa Receptionist
December 2018 – March 2020; February 2024 – September 2024
I combined the provision of massage and body treatments with reception, booking and client-facing responsibilities in a four-star superior hotel. Working across treatment rooms and the spa reception gave me insight into how the organisation of services influences the experience of individual guests.
- Delivered a range of massage and body treatments, taking account of guests’ preferences and the treatment booked.
- Discussed available services, answered questions and provided individual advice on treatments and products.
- Managed appointments, adjusted booking schedules and helped coordinate the daily use of treatment rooms and staff availability.
- Undertook spa reception administration and responded to booking and service enquiries.
- Supported the sale of treatments and products through clear, individualised communication.
- Worked with guests and colleagues in a multilingual environment, using German, Italian and English.
Relevant experience: Direct client contact; individualised service delivery; communication; scheduling and administration; awareness of how operational decisions affect service experiences.
Bio- und Wellnesshotel Stanglwirt · Going am Wilden Kaiser, Austria
Spa Reception and Spa Shop Intern
April 2022 – August 2022
This placement focused on the administration and coordination of services in a five-star hotel spa. I worked with guest requests, bookings, payment processes and retail activities, alongside some treatment work.
- Managed emails, bookings and enquiries and supported the organisation of the spa reception.
- Advised guests on treatments and products, taking account of their stated preferences and concerns.
- Responded to complaints and service issues and helped identify practical solutions.
- Assisted with invoicing, payments, cash handling and routine administrative tasks.
- Supported stock-related tasks and the organisation of the spa shop.
- Contributed to the sale of specialist treatments and products and performed massage treatments as required.
- Coordinated with colleagues to support timely delivery of booked services.
Relevant experience: Accurate administration; service coordination; communication; handling complaints; routine financial and stock processes.
Hotel Monika · Sesto (Sexten), Italy / Hotel Quelle Nature Spa Resort · Val Casies (Gsies), Italy
Temporary Spa Therapist
Various assignments between 2018 and 2019
- Delivered body treatments during temporary assignments in two five-star hotel spa departments.
- Prepared treatment spaces and followed workplace hygiene and service procedures.
- Adapted to different working arrangements, treatment menus and team routines.
- Communicated with guests about their booked treatments and individual preferences.
Relevant experience: Adaptability; independent working; client-facing care and consistency across different service environments.
Hotel Magdalenahof · Val Casies (Gsies), Italy
Spa Therapist
February 2022 – April 2022
- Provided massage and body treatments within the hotel’s wellness offering.
- Discussed treatment options and responded to guests’ questions and preferences.
- Prepared treatment areas, maintained hygiene standards and organised assigned sessions.
- Supported a calm, professional and individualised treatment experience.
Relevant experience: One-to-one communication; treatment delivery; attention to individual comfort and professional standards.
Relais & Châteaux Spa-Hotel Jagdhof · Neustift im Stubaital, Austria
Spa Therapist and Spa Receptionist
October 2017 – September 2018; June 2020 – September 2020; August 2021
I worked across several separate periods in the spa department of this five-star hotel, combining hands-on treatment work with guest advice and reception activities.
- Delivered massage and body treatments for therapeutic and relaxation purposes, within the scope of my qualifications.
- Discussed treatment needs and preferences with guests and explained available services.
- Helped manage bookings, appointment times and daily treatment schedules.
- Supported spa reception operations and responded to enquiries.
- Prepared treatment spaces and followed hygiene and professional practice requirements.
- Worked collaboratively with colleagues in a multilingual hospitality setting.
Relevant experience: Direct client interaction; treatment preparation; communication; appointment coordination and team working.
Naturhotel Outside · Matrei in Osttirol, Austria
Spa Therapist
June 2017 – September 2017
- Delivered classical massage, hot-stone treatments, manual lymphatic drainage and Lomi Lomi Nui massage.
- Performed therapeutic bathing applications and body exfoliation treatments.
- Prepared treatment rooms and maintained hygiene and service standards.
- Discussed treatments with guests and worked independently within the daily schedule.
Relevant experience: Applying practical clinical training in a professional setting; individualised treatments and independent responsibility.
Physiotherapie Med-Sport Trojer · Matrei in Osttirol, Austria
Clinical Placement – Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
September 2016 – December 2016
This training placement provided direct exposure to a physiotherapy and rehabilitation environment and to a range of physical treatment techniques.
- Practised manual and equipment-assisted therapeutic massage and therapeutic pack applications, including cataplasms, within the placement’s scope.
- Gained practical experience with manual lymphatic drainage, segmental massage, connective tissue massage and acupuncture meridian massage.
- Participated in treatment procedures involving ultrasound, electrotherapy and hydrogalvanic therapy.
- Prepared treatment equipment and areas and followed relevant hygiene and professional routines.
- Developed familiarity with the organisation and delivery of physical treatment services.
Relevant experience: Healthcare-related procedures; patient-facing practice; rehabilitation settings and treatment preparation.
Ambulatorium Dr Kurt Brunner · Lienz, Austria
Clinical Placement – Physical Medicine and Therapy
June 2016 – August 2016
This outpatient placement included experience of caring for people with differing clinical needs, including palliative patients.
- Assisted with patient care and delivered treatments within the remit of the placement and my training.
- Gained practical experience with classical massage, manual lymphatic drainage and foot reflexology.
- Took part in the care and treatment of palliative patients.
- Developed awareness of the importance of communication, comfort, individual needs and professional boundaries in patient-facing care.
Relevant experience: Direct patient contact; sensitivity to complex healthcare needs; professionalism and person-centred interaction.
Other Employment
Hotel Rauter · Matrei in Osttirol, Austria
Restaurant Service Assistant · July 2015 – September 2015
- Assisted with breakfast and evening restaurant service.
- Completed mise en place, table preparation and routine service tasks.
- Supported the organisation of daily restaurant operations.
Metamorfosi Animazione · Lido delle Nazioni, Ferrara, Italy
Tourist Entertainer and Children’s Activity Assistant · July 2014 – August 2014
- Supervised children and helped organise recreational activities.
- Contributed to themed events and entertainment programmes.
- Communicated with guests, families and colleagues in an Italian-speaking environment.
Hotel Luna Mondschein · Ortisei (St Ulrich), Val Gardena, Italy
Compulsory Internship – Housekeeping and Evening Restaurant Service · June 2013 – September 2013
- Assisted with evening service and its preparation.
- Managed an assigned housekeeping area independently.
- Cleaned and prepared guest rooms according to the hotel’s procedures.
Hotel Strasserwirt · Strassen, Austria
Summer Assistant – Housekeeping and Kitchen · July 2012 – September 2012
- Cleaned and prepared guest rooms.
- Supported kitchen duties and everyday service operations.
Additional Professional Training
Team Dr Joseph Academy · Brunico (Bruneck), Italy
| Date | Course |
|---|---|
| May 2024 | Supreme Eye & Facelift Treatment with Gua Sha Massage |
| May 2019 | Dynamic Back Massage for Regeneration |
| May 2019 | Revitalising and Firming Abdominal Treatment |
| May 2019 | Inner Balance Chakra Treatment |
| May 2019 | Firming and Toning Body Massage |
| April 2019 | Deep Relax Stone Massage |
| April 2019 | Energising Herbal Compress Treatment |
| November 2018 | Relaxing Head and Neck Massage |
These practical courses broadened my familiarity with different wellness and body-treatment techniques. They are professional development activities, not formal qualifications in medical research.
Kneipp Academy · Klagenfurt, Austria
Lomi Lomi Nui Training · 2019
Further practical training in this massage technique.
Dr Vodder Academy · Walchsee, Austria
Specialist Qualification in Electrotherapy · September 2018 – October 2018
Training with Univ.-Prof. Dr med. Thomas Bochdansky and Frank Peter Bosser, MAS.
The course complemented my formal training in physical treatment methods.
Academic and Professional Education
MCI | The Entrepreneurial School · Innsbruck, Austria
Master of Arts – International Health & Social Management · September 2024 – August 2026
My Master’s programme brought together health and social management, public health, health economics, organisational questions and research methodology. Relevant areas included qualitative and quantitative methods, research design and academic writing, advanced statistics, epidemiology and health policy.
Master’s thesis (grade 1 – Excellent):
Mental Health Care Experiences of LGBTQIA+ Adults in Austria: A Qualitative Study and Scoping Review from a Person-Centred Care Perspective
- Independently designed and conducted nine semi-structured interviews with LGBTQIA+ adults about experiences of mental healthcare in Austria.
- Analysed qualitative interview material, considering interactions with healthcare professionals, access to services and the organisational context of care.
- Completed a scoping review using JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR, including literature searches, screening and selection, data extraction and evidence synthesis.
- Brought primary interview findings together with published evidence, identifying points of convergence, disagreement and areas requiring further investigation.
- Developed written conclusions and implications for more equitable and person-centred healthcare delivery.
This was academic research completed during my Master’s degree, not a previous salaried research appointment.
Erasmus University Rotterdam · Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Erasmus Exchange – Health Care Management · September 2025 – February 2026
Selected subjects included Person-Centred Care Delivery, Organisational Behaviour, Advanced Research Methods, International Health Law, Public Health Economics and Economics of Health and Health Care.
Applied university project – Zorgbalans De Moerberg: Worked in an international student team exploring staff and residents’ perspectives on shared decision-making, engagement and empathy. The project involved gathering stakeholder perspectives, structuring findings and considering practical opportunities for improving everyday care.
FH JOANNEUM · Bad Gleichenberg, Austria
Bachelor’s Degree – Health Management in Tourism · September 2020 – July 2023
The programme combined healthcare-related subjects with management, service organisation and applied research. Selected subjects included public health, health psychology, statistics and empirical research, project management, market research, information management and controlling.
Bachelor’s thesis (grade 1 – Excellent):
Evidence on the Effect of Treatment Approaches for Unipolar Depression in LGBTQIA+ Populations
- Conducted structured academic literature searches about treatment approaches for unipolar depression in LGBTQIA+ populations.
- Compared and critically interpreted evidence from published studies.
- Identified gaps in the evidence and implications for mental healthcare and further research.
Kneipp Academy / MAZ Kärnten · Klagenfurt, Austria
Professional Qualification – Medical Massage Therapist · September 2015 – May 2017
Formal vocational training in anatomy, physiology, pathology and physical treatment techniques, including classical massage, segmental and connective tissue massage, manual lymphatic drainage, foot reflexology, meridian and sports massage, thermal applications, therapeutic packs and ultrasound therapy. The training included practical placements in healthcare settings.
HLW Lienz · Lienz, Austria
Higher Secondary College for Economic Professions – Languages Specialisation · September 2010 – July 2015
A five-year programme covering general education, business, information technology, psychology, nutrition, kitchen and restaurant management, and German, English, Italian and French.
Research and Transferable Skills
Qualitative and patient-centred research: Semi-structured interviews; qualitative data analysis; exploration of patient and service-user experiences; consideration of the wider context of care.
Evidence review and academic communication: Structured literature searches; study screening and selection; data extraction; evidence synthesis; JBI scoping review methods; PRISMA-ScR; academic writing and presentation.
Quantitative methods: University-level statistical analysis with R/RStudio and SPSS, including coursework in regression and hierarchical modelling.
Healthcare practice: Direct patient and client interaction; therapeutic treatments within professional qualifications; attention to individual preferences and comfort; experience in healthcare and rehabilitation-related settings.
Operations and coordination: Appointment scheduling; administrative correspondence; customer enquiries; invoicing and payment support; collaborative working across teams and languages.
Professional Interests
I am particularly interested in patient-centred research, healthcare experiences, health services research and evidence-informed improvements in healthcare delivery. My practical experience in health-related services has helped me appreciate the importance of listening to individuals and understanding the organisational conditions surrounding care. I would like to continue developing my academic research skills in applied projects that examine patient perspectives and translate findings into meaningful improvements.
This page is a supplementary record of professional experience and education. Please refer to my CV for a concise overview of my academic and professional profile.