Bauer began her career at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City as the clinical nutritionist with their neurosurgical team.

She taught Anatomy & Physiology and Sports Nutrition at New York University School of Professional Studies.

She served as the Director for Nutrition for the Pediatric Cardiology Department at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

While at Mount Sinai, Bauer created and implemented "Heart-Smart Kids," a health program for underprivileged children living in Harlem.

She was a nutritionist at New York University, and was the founder and CEO of Joy Bauer Nutrition.