Tim Granato (IMC21)

Associate Manager, Consumer Marketing at Abbott

Tell us about your career path. How did you get where you are today?

Although I’m still early in my career, I have always been drawn to working with products that serve a higher purpose. For me, it’s not just about making money for the company, but also having a meaningful impact on people’s lives. During my time at SMU, I interned for Abbott in their Structural Heart division and became hooked on the medical device industry. There, I saw firsthand how these incredible devices can save and improve lives across the globe. After completing my undergraduate studies, I went back to the same division at Abbott and became a product manager. I worked on marketing their surgical valve portfolio and a minimally invasive device called Mitraclip primarily to doctors and surgeons. Currently, I work in the Neuromodulation division and manage marketing efforts directed at patients. This is a new area for Neuromodulation, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it while being so close to the populations we serve. I focus on promoting and educating those suffering from chronic pain and Parkinson’s disease on our neurostimulator product lines. It is really rewarding to help those in need and work with the latest technological advancements in the field.

What are your main responsibilities in your current role?

I am responsible for developing Abbott Neuromodulation’s consumer marketing strategy and journey, overseeing paid media, and managing all direct-to-patient efforts. I also work alongside the product team in co-managing the patient ambassador program, educational events, and advocacy relations. At its core, my role is centered around creating the best patient experience possible and making complex ideas simple.

How did the Medill Integrated Marketing Communications Full-Time program prepare you for your career?

IMC gave me a comprehensive understanding of marketing, brand strategy, the changing media landscape and the skills needed to communicate effectively. It also taught me how to solve problems from both a creative and analytical perspective.

What did you do during Immersion Quarter?

I worked with Mondelez International to increase engagement and reach of their internal communications.

What is a class or experience that stick out in your mind and why?

Strategic Communications with Ernest Duplessis and Nancy Hobor is a class I still use every day. The lessons of brand reputation, managing stakeholder expectations, and crafting empathic, transparent, and credible communications are invaluable. These are critical skills for building and maintaining trust with audiences.

How has Medill Career Services helped you?

Medill Career Services allowed me to talk with people from different industries to gain a wider understanding of what could be possible in my future career.

What other types of master’s programs did you consider?

Mainly other general business programs, but the M.S. in integrated marketing communications was the only one to really concentrate on marketing and building brands in a digital-focused world.

How can your industry be more inclusive and representative of society?

Expanding patient access to care is a crucial aspect of my job. Although chronic pain and Parkinson’s disease affect people from all backgrounds, certain communities have better access to care and information about our life-changing technologies. This disparity is particularly evident between urban and rural areas, where healthcare resources are more limited. This makes it difficult for them to even consider if our treatments may be right for them. Our goal is to reach these underserved communities with targeted communications that inform and motivate them to seek the care they need.

What advice would you give to someone considering the Medill Integrated Marketing Communications Full Time program?

IMC really is a unique program available to those interested in gaining a master’s in marketing and communications related fields. I would encourage those interested to reach out to a program ambassador and talk with someone who completed the degree. The entire faculty is incredible, but, if you do join, take any and all classes with Ernest Duplessis and Nancy Hobor. You won’t regret it.