NAME: Dr. Mari Mitrani
AGE: 43
INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @marimitrani
JOB TITLE: Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer at Gattaca Genomics
I’m a physician scientist passionate about regenerative and preventive approaches to help improve patients’ quality of life. I’m the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Gattaca Genomics, previously Co-Founded and was the Chief Science Officer of Organicell Regenerative Medicine, and also Co-Founded the American Stem Cell & Anti-Aging Center and Americell Trinidad, one of the first Autologous Stem Cell Centers in South America and the Caribbean. I was most recently recognized as one of the ‘Top 100 Healthcare Leaders’ by IFAH for my work in COVID-19 therapeutics as well as being recognized with a Scientific Excellence award last March for my scientific work advancing medicine. I’m a passionate vegan, always advocating for women’s health, minorities, animals and other issues that require and demand equality.
My day looks like:
7 AM: Gentle waking, in-bed stretching (cat-cows, neck rolling, affirmation meditation as I move my body, when ready I usually stretch a bit more on my mat), jump in the shower and grab my daily scrubs and gym outfit so I have them ready! After a quick face hydrating routine with stem cell ingredients, apply sunscreen and light make up. I prep coffee and breakfast super quick so I can have it later on.
8 AM: After an unfortunate ski accident 2 years ago, I’ve been in an active recovery, so my early mornings or late afternoons always include an hour of guided physical therapy. Before my accident I was always at the gym at this time, so now, I can mentally still include my active time in my schedule, even though I’m not lifting my usual heavy weights as I did before, I know I’m building a new set of skills to recover smart and one day come back stronger than I was before my accident.
10AM: Meetings, emails, and phone calls start as early as 7am and will continue through my day, whether I’m at the lab or not. During most of my day I bounce around my laboratory and my office. I’m the type of person that really likes to get involved with all aspects of my job. You will see me discussing new research and trends with PhDs and supervisors, acknowledging the hard work from my lab techs and facilitating their needs to enhance performance and of course, there are always non-stop online meetings.
2 PM: Lunch is either quick, if there are a lot of meetings scheduled, or alternatively if there is more time on my schedule, I love connecting with my daughter to catch up with her on her online classes while sharing a mom/daughter lunch break. As a physician with a nutrition certification, I’m always making sure we are eating all the colours of the rainbow daily at my house!
4 PM: Towards the end of the afternoon, our Next Generation Sequencer machines are ready to be loaded. These devices can read the genetic information from embryo-biopsies that we receive so we can help couples understand if their embryos have the correct number of chromosomes (euploid) or an odd number of chromosomes (aneuploid). I’m always there to support my team or help troubleshoot any problems. I personally think “teamwork makes the dream work”, and I’m so fortunate to work with an incredibly qualified team that cares for the wellbeing of our community. My greatest asset is my team!
6 PM: If I’m not at the gym, I’ll be on my Peloton bike or paddleboarding on the warm intercoastal waters of Florida. Sunset in the water is something that has no comparison, as a Paddleboard Yoga lover, you will find me doing headstands on my paddle board at sunset while my board drifts with the current, I’m not kidding, look at my videos on my Instagram!
8 PM: Dinner is the time where I disconnect and spend time with my family either eating a home cooked meal or dining out, this is our time to recap and laugh!. When you work with your partner of over 17 years, you have to learn how to carve some time out to reconnect with each other.
10PM: This time is allocated for 2 things: either catching up with emails and/or a TV series that keeps me excited (Greys Anatomy or any other medical series that’s worth my 30 min of attention span). Always wash your face at the end of the day! My night time beauty routine always includes a face wash, serum, and moisturiser.