Author Heather Reis, center, with members of her team at The Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute, from left. Front: Ashaki Smith and Anna Kheyfets; Back: Teresa Janevic, Tracy Layne, Elizabeth Howell, and Amy Balbierz
I had a background in genetics and started my career as a laboratory scientist before pivoting to the field of reproductive medicine. That’s when I found a love of helping people in a new way: from beyond a lab bench.
I recognized I had a deep interest in women’s health and helping provide health care opportunities for those who previously did not have access to them. At that point, I started working with egg donors and families who needed third party reproduction services in order to start a family.
Then I went back to school to get an MBA in order to learn more about how to combine business with my background in science and women’s health research. I knew that improving on my management, analytical, and marketing skills would allow me to achieve my goals of helping others in a way that was practical and made sense for me. And it worked.
Transitioning to my role as a project manager in the Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science Department at the Mount Sinai Health System seemed like an ideal way to expand upon my previous experiences. Becoming more hands on in a position at the intersection of administrative executives and physicians, and seeing how my impact can make a difference, is an exciting challenge.
Since joining Mount Sinai in October 2018, I’ve been fortunate to experience both personal and professional development. I’ve always had a goal of helping others and having a positive impact on the community, and I find that in my role I can achieve this.
As a project manager I work on special projects and operations alignment opportunities. This involves making sure each division within the Department communicates and shares best practices and ways to improve with a broader goal of achieving better outcomes and continuing to be one of the best health care systems in New York City. I also assist with administrative work surrounding appointments and promotions in the Department, which includes onboarding new physicians, maintaining credentialing, and updating and creating contracts.
One of the greatest pleasures working at Mount Sinai has been my opportunity to join the staff of the Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute. Working with the team at the Institute has been a rewarding experience. Being able to work with others who share a passion for women’s health, while working on expanding the research opportunities at Mount Sinai and beyond, keeps me engaged and focused on current trends in the women’s health field. The Institute seeks to address women’s health concerns across the lifespan by engaging in research, education, and networking activities that foster a positive community in search of a common goal.
The team at the Institute is inspiring, energetic, intelligent, and hard working. Whether it’s planning the Inaugural Women’s Health Research Symposium, attending the informational seminar series discussions, or competing with each other in the Reach Your Peak Wellness Initiative (a system-wide wellness program encouraging teamwork and healthy habits with the goal of increasing physical activity) I continue to be excited about the work being done at the Institute and look forward to the many opportunities ahead. The monthly Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute Seminar Series offers lectures on a variety of topics in women’s health and I encourage anyone looking to learn more about a wide range of topics at the forefront of women’s health research to join us.
Heather Reis, MBA, uses her experience, education, and personal interests to foster her career as an administrative women’s health professional. As a project manager in the OB/GYN department and member of The Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, she continues to develop her passion for women’s health current topics and innovation.