Bio

Maria Gmitro is a Board Certified Patient Advocate and holds a Master's Degree in Instructional/Educational Technology. She is a former educator that successfully piloted programs in the areas of educational technology, and dance and drama. She designed workshops and courses, and was an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida and the College of Charleston. Maria is passionate about improving patient outcomes and uses her personal experience with a common medical device to advocate for better patient safety and education. Maria travels nationally raising awareness and educating audiences on patient perspectives in healthcare. Maria has worked as Director of Community Outreach & Patient Advocacy for a start up healthcare IT company and is president and founder Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA Nonprofit). In 2017, Maria removed her breast implants after only three years due to continued health complications. After her health improved and experiencing an education gap in healthcare, she decided to speak out about her personal experience including testifying in front of the FDA. Upon learning of the current issues and barriers patients faced, she founded Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA) in 2019. BISA’s mission is to empower patients and work collaboratively with all stakeholders including healthcare providers, regulators and legislators, to support systems of education and accountability that promote patient safety and provide opportunities for patient engagement. Maria is a past and present member of multiple working groups with organizations including MDIC, ASPS, ASAPS, NCHR and AHRMM. Maria collaborates with and serves on multiple boards as a community advisor or member including the USA Patient Network, Patient Safety Action Network, The Light Collective, Medical Device Problems, and the Consumer & Public Health Coalition. She serves as a consumer rep. for FDA MDUFA V, is a Patients Rising Delegate and a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society. She is also a Stand Tall AFC Ambassador. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Maria currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband and has two daughters in college. She enjoys traveling, designing, learning, making new connections and spending time in the ocean. Maria hopes to create positive change and be a source for advocacy, advising, education, support and inspiration.