Senior Director of Cardiovascular and Neuroscience Institutes, Children's Minnesota
"The learning environment at CSP - being a Lutheran school - is one that emphasizes that in all of your classes. Having that foundation at CSP, along with strong academics, has allowed me to face those challenges more readily."
CSP biology alum Paul Reineck is Senior Director of Cardiovascular and Neuroscience Institutes at Children’s Minnesota. Recently, Paul visited CSP to participate in a healthcare industry roundtable forum for current CSP students interested in and currently pursuing healthcare roles. Paul shared how CSP influenced his career path and helped him build the foundation that prepared him for the challenges he faces in his role.
Q: How would you describe your CSP experience?
A: I really enjoyed it. I think the great part about CSP is that you have the opportunity to get involved with a lot. It’s a small community here, so I played basketball and even did choir. I had the opportunity to get involved in all the science clubs and built some great friendships. I really had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, experience a lot, and dive into and understand what I wanted to do with my career.
Q: Are you currently enrolled or have you earned a graduate degree? What was that process like?
A: It was a pivot going from biology to an MBA, but I think I selected my grad school based on the things I liked about CSP – a smaller, liberal arts school. Somewhere where there was a real opportunity and to interact with professors and not be one of 80 in a classroom. My experience at CSP helped me understand my learning style and where I would thrive best.
Q: Tell me about any faculty that impacted your time at CSP and why.
A: I think I have a lot of good memories of a lot of professors. Amy Gort was one and so was Shelly Kieke. They were accessible and always willing to help. I think one of my best relationships with a professor was with Richard Carter who I never had a class with but was still able to develop a relationship with at CSP.
Q: How did CSP prepare you for your current career path and your purpose?
A: I think, in my career, a big part of it is is being able to understand the concept of vocation and understand compassion and being grounded in ethics. The learning environment at CSP – being a Lutheran school – is one that emphasizes that in all of your classes. It’s amazing how many times you face really tough situations that push you around those topics. Having that foundation at CSP, along with strong academics, has allowed me to face those challenges more readily.