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  • UPHS – Portage Heroes | Amy Campbell, Lead Medical Technologist

    October 24, 2022

    What is your role at UPHS – Portage? I am the Lead Chemistry Technologist in the Laboratory Unit at UP Health System – Portage. What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?As a child, I saw my fair share of healthcare professionals and I've always had a lot of respect for them. Throughout my college years, I realized I wanted to help people too, while still staying behind the scenes — the lab is a great place to be able to do that. What's a typical day like for you?I feel like every day is a little different. I usually start each day by going through morning quality control and reports of patient results. We evaluate every result that comes out of our lab, package samples that need to be sent out and keep the analyzers running in tip-top shape. How long have you been employed here?  I have worked at UPHS – Portage for one year and eight months. I started as a med tech working nights and moved up to the lead chemistry tech last December.   What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?My biggest change was moving from a night tech to a lead tech. There is so much more that goes into this position than I ever realized. I feel like I am still learning a lot, but it is very rewarding. What are some of your interests outside of work? Where is your favorite local gem?Outside of work, I like to camp throughout the summer and spend time snowmobiling on the local trails during the winter.   What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Portage? I love the people that I work with — I've been employed in a few different hospitals and the welcoming atmosphere at UPHS – Portage is by far the best!  

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  • UPHS – Portage Heroes | Lacy Wuebben, RN, BSN

    October 18, 2022

    What is your role at UPHS – Portage? I am a registered nurse in the Family Birthing Center. What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?I took a health careers class in high school and enjoyed shadowing in the hospital and experiencing a baby born in the OR. Since then, I decided to go into nursing and I knew I would want to specialize in labor…

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  • UPHS – Portage Heroes | Michele LaCourt, CST

    October 10, 2022

    What is your role at UPHS – Portage? I am a certified surgical technologist in the surgery department at Portage.  What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?Initially, a labor and delivery nurse inspired me to go into the healthcare field. My interest grew as I experienced one of the most stressful things — a loved one or friend…

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  • PortagePointe Neighbor of the Month | Esther Bohto

    September 26, 2022

    What was your first job?My first job was working on the family farm. It was busy and my main responsibilities were milking the cows and gardening.  What is your favorite activity that is offered at PortagePointe? During the spring and summer, I enjoy spending time outside gardening. I also enjoy attending the bingo games that are offered at…

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  • What is Food Insecurity & How Do We Overcome It?

    September 16, 2022

    By: Taylor Paul, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist | UP Health System - PortageFood insecurity is having a lack of regular access to healthy and nutritious food that is necessary for normal growth and development. In 2020, an estimated one in eight Americans were food insecure, equating to over 38 million Americans, including almost 12 million children. Due to the…

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  • Count On Us for Urology Services

    September 08, 2022

    Count on UP Health System for urology services close to home. We understand that urology issues are sensitive, and can be difficult to discuss, even with medical professionals. Our skilled and compassionate providers work with you, to help you get back to your most comfortable, confident self.Our ServicesUrinary disorders in patients of all agesUrinary tract…

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  • UPHS – Portage Heroes | Renee Laitila, Patient Navigator

    September 06, 2022

    What is your role at UPHS – Portage?My role at Portage is the Patient Navigator. What intrigued you about being our patient navigator at Portage?I was really intrigued by this position as it will allow me to have a good understanding of our daily operations to be able to help our patients. This position overall seemed like a great fit for me.  What does…

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  • PortagePointe Neighbor of the Month | Charlotte "Char" Pera

    August 29, 2022

    What was your first job?While I was a senior in high school, I worked as a volunteer at the hospital during the weekends.  I was responsible for getting the trays ready, bringing them to the patients and cleaning up once they were finished.  What is your favorite activity that is offered at PortagePointe?The popular activity at PortagePointe is bingo. I enjoy…

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  • UPHS – Portage Heroes | Grace Huhta, RN

    August 22, 2022

    What is your role at UPHS – Portage?I am a Registered Nurse in the Labor & Delivery Unit at UP Health System – Portage.  What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?My amazing aunt — her name is Molly and she works as a nurse in Minnesota. I always looked up to her and her caring personality towards others. My older two…

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  • UPHS – Portage Heroes | Emma Gariepy, CNA

    August 08, 2022

    What is your role at UPHS – Portage?I am a Certified Nursing Assistant and Elder Associate at PortagePointe.  What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare — I always enjoyed learning how the body works and caring for people around the community.  What’s a typical day like for…

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  • Extraordinary Nurses Recognized at UP Health System – Portage

    August 04, 2022

    The DAISY Foundation is a non-profit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes and stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System (DAISY). Nurses at UP Health System – Portage are being honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate…

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  • UPHS – Portage Heroes | Taryn Kaurala, RN

    August 01, 2022

    What is your role at UPHS – Portage?I am a Registered Nurse on the Medical Surgical floor at UP Health System – Portage.  What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?If you asked me six-plus years ago where I thought I would be working, it definitely would not have been me working in healthcare as an RN. After three years of attending…

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  • UPHS – Portage Heroes | Samantha Maki

    July 25, 2022

    What is your role at UPHS – Portage?I am an elder associate at PortagePointe for UP Health System – Portage.  What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?I've always wanted to work in the healthcare setting and be able to take care of/help different people. It is very rewarding.  What’s a typical day like for you? What is…

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  • PortagePointe Neighbor of the Month | Judy Mayer

    July 18, 2022

    This monthly spotlight will feature a resident at PortagePointe. We look forward to getting to know a resident and sharing their life lessons! 

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  • UPHS – Portage Heroes | Amber Holombo, CCHT

    July 11, 2022

    What is your role at UPHS – Portage? I am the Dialysis Department Coordinator for UP Health System – Portage. What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

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  • Getting Back to Enjoying Camp | Dave's Story

    July 05, 2022

    “I want to thank my therapist, Alysse, and the other rehabilitation specialists at UP Health System – Portage for such a positive experience and for motivating me to become stronger and healthier. Without them, I could not have properly healed my leg.”

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  • UPHS – Portage Heroes | Kayla Hakala, RN

    June 27, 2022

    What is your role at UPHS – Portage?I am a registered nurse (RN) and soon will be an RN at PortagePointe full-time.  What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?I always wanted to be able to help those in need. I consider myself to be very empathetic and compassionate — it gives me all sorts of joy to be able to help and care for others.…

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  • UPHS – Portage Heroes | Kristin Gipp, Phlebotomist

    June 13, 2022

    What is your role at UPHS – Portage?My role here at UP Health System – Portage is to draw blood, receive and enter orders into our systems, and assist our patients and staff with anything they need. What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?I knew from a very young age that healthcare was my passion. I spent many years as a nurse aide…

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  • UP Medical Group - Portage Express Care | Count on Us To Know Where To Go

    June 10, 2022

    UP Medical Group – Portage Express Care provides quality and compassionate care close to home. Knowing where to go to get the right care you need can be confusing – but we want you to count on us to help you receive the right care.The Portage Express Care provides services for acute illness and non-life-threatening injuries for patients of all ages. We are…

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  • Count on Us, Men | National Men's Health Month

    June 08, 2022

    In celebration of Men’s Health Month, learn simple ways men can begin to improve their wellbeing, take charge of their health and achieve a higher quality of life.

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