Cristhina Estupiñan
Cypress
Summary
Strategic and solutions-focused Healthcare Operations Professional with 7+ years of experience driving process improvements, managing cross-functional healthcare initiatives, and enhancing clinical and research workflows. Proven ability to lead high-impact projects, collaborate across departments, and implement Lean Six Sigma strategies to improve efficiency and outcomes. Strong foundation in healthcare administration, patient services, and regulatory compliance, with a commitment to data-driven decision-making and operational excellence.
Focused Project Manager adept at planning, directing and maintaining continuous operations in various departments. Experienced in directing manufacturing employees and keeping efficient production in accordance with quality standards. Applying creative and analytical approach to operations for continuous process improvement. Skilled at identifying or anticipating problems and providing solutions. Excels through mentoring, training and empowering team to excel in performance.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Program Project Manager – Translational Production & Quality
Houston Methodist Hospital – Research Institute
08.2022 - Current
- Lead multi-million-dollar Translational Research Initiate (TRI) projects, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, timelines, and financial targets.
- Oversee project risks, critical paths, and scope changes to resolve challenges efficiently.
- Streamline research proposal approvals, reducing administrative cycle times by 30%.
- Collaborate proactively with principal investigator, administrative, and leadership teams to generate detailed project status reports for stakeholders.
- Contributed to the development and implementation of the Translational Research Initiate Project, Administrative Review and Approval process, ensuring efficient monitoring and facilitation of internal and external research proposal approvals.
- Assisted with the preparation and submission of various contracts (CDAs, Fee-for-Service Agreements, CTAs, and others) on behalf of Principal Investigators.
- Liaised with vendors to obtain Purchase Orders, Work Orders, and finalized Scopes of Work.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
Project Specialist – Translational Production & Quality
Houston Methodist Hospital – Research Institute
03.2022 - 08.2022
- Analyzed and evaluated workload to ensure all tasks are completed within established timeframes, maintaining project schedules.
- Provided operational support to the department director, including budget oversight and process documentation.
- Identified and recommend process improvement opportunities to the Director, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Supported project managers in the development and oversight of departmental budgets and financial tracking systems.
Quality Management Coordinator
2nd.MD (Telehealth Company)
02.2021 - 03.2022
- Assigned to review and analyze cost savings cases, utilizing CPT and ICD codes to determine cost-efficiency and potential savings outcomes.
- Monitored key quality performance metrics and generate reports to track trends, identify potential risks, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensured proper training and education of employees on quality standards, procedures, and best practices.
- Assisted in the preparation for external audits and inspections, ensuring all necessary documentation is complete and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Senior Patient Liaison
Harris Health System
04.2019 - 02.2021
- Acted as the primary point of contact for patients and their families, ensuring clear communication and addressing concerns throughout their healthcare journey.
- Led cross-functional coordination between healthcare teams and patients, ensuring service alignment and driving improvements in patient advocacy and care delivery.
- Ensured a positive patient experience by resolving issues, escalating complex matters, and ensuring timely follow-up on patient concerns and complaints.
- Monitored patient satisfaction through surveys and direct feedback, using data to identify areas for improvement in patient care and services.
- Collaborated with hospital staff, including physicians, nurses, and Quality of Care, and Risk Management teams, to ensure efficient coordination of care and services.
Patient Financial Counselor – Eligibility Services
Harris Health System
03.2018 - 04.2019
- Conducted interviews with patients to gather necessary demographic, financial, and insurance information.
- Assessed financial eligibility and assisted patients in applying for government and hospital assistance programs such as Gold Card and Title V.
- Verified insurance coverage and guided patients through complex billing processes.
- Partnered with social workers and case managers to resolve patient eligibility barriers.
- Improved documentation accuracy and compliance by revising internal procedures.
Education
Master - Business Administration - Healthcare Administration
Texas Woman's University
12.2021
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Texas Tech University
12.2017
Skills
- Healthcare Operations & Administration
- Process Improvement & Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt)
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Data Analytics & Financial Modeling
- Budget Management & Cost Optimization
- Quality Metrics & Performance Dashboards
- Patient Experience Strategy
- EPIC Systems & Data Analytics
- Budget preparation
- Stakeholder communications
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt 120981617
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Training – RICE University PMI-Authorized Training Partner | Completed: June 2023 Completed 35-hour course.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Research Program Project Manager – Translational Production & Quality
Houston Methodist Hospital – Research Institute
08.2022 - Current
Project Specialist – Translational Production & Quality
Houston Methodist Hospital – Research Institute
03.2022 - 08.2022
Quality Management Coordinator
2nd.MD (Telehealth Company)
02.2021 - 03.2022
Senior Patient Liaison
Harris Health System
04.2019 - 02.2021
Patient Financial Counselor – Eligibility Services
Harris Health System
03.2018 - 04.2019
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Texas Tech University
Master - Business Administration - Healthcare Administration
Texas Woman's University
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