Rachel Galkin, 33, found her own way in the health care field. When she first started out, Galkin was unsure of what exact job she was interested in.

After trying different jobs and finding opportunities, Galkin found the right one for her: as a project manager.

After growing up in Baltimore, Galkin received her undergraduate degree from Thomas Edison State University and a master’s degree in health care management from Stevenson University. She now works as a project manager at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore.

Rachel Galkin and her husband Berel live in Pikesville with their three children. The Galkins belong to Suburban Orthodox Congregation.

What do you do as a project manager?

My focus is on anything operations. I focus on projects that improve the hospital operations. I set up units, work hand in hand with the construction project manager, process improvement and patient flow. It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes tasks that I get involved in to help the clinical teams be able to focus on their jobs or improve their workflow.

How do you get into that work?

I wanted to do something clinical, and it was not for me. Then I got a job working for a doctor and he had a private practice in a surgery center. I helped him a lot with different tasks. I started off at the front desk and then I grew within his practice.

When I came to Sinai, I took an admin position because I didn’t have project management experience. I just took other opportunities from there, which landed me into this role.

What is your favorite part about your job?

I love seeing the life cycle of projects from start to end. I love working with so many different teams. We have a good time, and every day is different. I don’t have a routine day, which I love.

How do you navigate working in a semi-Jewish environment like Sinai Hospital?

Even though I’m the only Jewish person in my department and I’ve not really worked with a lot of Jews, I interact with other Jews because of the work that I do. I make myself as available as I can by Christmas and New Year’s. I set expectations early of explaining Shabbos if they don’t have an understanding.

I always preface it with if there’s anything that needs to get done, I will take care of it on the weekend if I have to shut off early on Friday. Just because I work for a Jewish organization doesn’t mean I get off Chol Hamoed or any of those [extra] days. I am expected to work all of the Eruvs as long as I don’t take off.

How would you describe your relationship to Judaism?

I love Judaism. I have a good relationship with Hashem and the religion itself. I find that I have a greater appreciation for the religion as life is so busy. It’s undivided family and friend time. My husband and I talk all the time about how we don’t think we would stop working over the weekend if it wasn’t for Shabbos.

I also find that I get to relearn and see different perspectives because my kids are learning and I get to relearn it every day.

What advice do you have for someone who’s struggling with finding something they like in their field?

In health care, we think everything is clinical. There are so many opportunities and nonclinical roles where you have that opportunity to have a big impact, but not necessarily be patient facing. If somebody is interested in health care and it’s not their strength, there are so many other ways to have that positive impact and not be clinical.

Outside of work, what are some things you do for fun?

I cycle, and I love exercising. I love spending time with my family, and I hope one day I get to travel because I love to travel and see culture.

Shira Kramer is a freelance writer.