What is your role at UPHS – Portage? 
I am the Director of Inpatient Pharmacy at UP Health System - Portage. 

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I grew up surrounded by nurses in my family. Through them, I learned about the many different opportunities in healthcare and witnessed firsthand how much they enjoyed their work. Pharmacy in particular interested me due to the important role they play in taking care of patients and the diverse career paths it allows.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
Pharmacy is a challenging practice area where you are constantly presented with new questions and opportunities to learn. Every day is a little different but often includes a mix of meetings, reviewing policies or procedures, completing medication or treatment evaluations, and collaborating with my team to troubleshoot any concerns that may come up. Working in a pharmacy requires a strong foundation in clinical knowledge and great attention to detail to ensure patients receive the best and safest care possible.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position? 
I was fortunate to be hired into my current position and started just over 8 months ago. I previously worked at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for about 8 years.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position? 
The pandemic created a lot of change in the Pharmacy Department as we had to quickly learn about new therapies and stay on top of evolving guidelines. We are also gearing up for a renovation of the pharmacy space which will be an exciting change.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem? 
I enjoy spending time outside and taking advantage of all of the activities the Keweenaw has to offer. My favorite local gem is Twin Lakes; I try to spend as much time as possible there in the summer and fall.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Portage? 
The people I work with both within the Pharmacy Department and the organization at large make this a great place to work. It’s also wonderful to have the opportunity to positively impact the care of the community.