Paula Gioia
@paulagioia
I improve healthcare experiences through patient advocacy, research, and empathetic communication.
ZimbabweWhat I'm looking for
I've supported patients and families in NYU Langone Health's Neurosurgery and Ortho Spine Surgery unit, providing emotional support, facilitating communication with care teams, and advocating for concerns during stressful hospital visits.
Previously, I led health strategy work at Initiative across 10+ healthcare brands, including Johnson & Johnson and Bristol Myers Squibb, and managed a team of three managers and an intern. I've interviewed patients and providers about sensitive conditions, shaped healthcare strategy for Mounjaro's Type 2 Diabetes launch at FCB Health, and bring seven-plus years of healthcare experience grounded in active listening, cultural sensitivity, and patient-centered problem solving.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Provide emotional support to patients, families, and visitors in the preop and PACU area of the Neurosurgery and Ortho Spine Surgery unit. Collaborate with nurses and interdisciplinary care team to facilitate communication and advocate for patient concerns.
Associate Director, Health Strategy
Initiative
Apr 2025 - Jun 2026 (1 year 2 months)
Promoted to help lead the Health Strategy team, managing 3 Health Strategy Managers and one intern. Conducted one-on-one interviews with patients and healthcare providers, building trust through empathetic dialogue to discuss sensitive health conditions.
Health Strategy Manager
Initiative
Nov 2022 - Apr 2025 (2 years 5 months)
Served as a trusted point of contact for clients across multiple healthcare accounts, building relationships through proactive communication and problem solving. Developed extensive knowledge of healthcare systems, patient journeys, and social determinants of health.
Strategic Planner
FCB Health
Jul 2021 - Nov 2022 (1 year 4 months)
Facilitated patient and healthcare provider interviews using culturally sensitive questioning techniques. Understood and communicated challenges in chronic disease management to support the launch of Type 2 Diabetes medication Mounjaro.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Fordham University
Master of Science in Education, Mental Health Counseling
Pursuing a Master of Science in Education in Mental Health Counseling, expected to graduate in May 2028.
University of California, Berkeley
Certificate, Developmental Psychology
Completed a Certificate in Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan in August 2025.
New York University
Bachelor of Science, Media, Culture and Communication
Earned a Bachelor of Science in Media, Culture and Communication with a minor in Computer Science in May 2019.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
ZimbabweAuthorized to work in
Job categories
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