What is your role at UPHS?

Becky: I am the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Trainer and Support Specialist for the Clinical EMR at UP Health System – Marquette.

Mary: I am the EMR Trainer and Support Specialist for the Outpatient Clinics of UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

Becky: Healthcare was not even on my radar after graduating from college, but the office I worked in shared the facility with a medical office. I filled in occasionally answering the phone when they went on lunch and took messages for them. Next thing I knew, I was working full time in a very busy doctor’s office. Helping people gain knowledge to take care of themselves is very important. I have enjoyed helping patients and the challenges it presents.

Mary: I was born and raised in Marquette but lived in the Chicago area for 30 years, where I worked as a real estate appraiser before returning back home to be near family. That was always my ultimate goal.  I have always been interested in healthcare and when the opportunity arose to work at the hospital, I was happy to start a new adventure.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?

Becky: There is never a typical day in the information technology or “IT” world. Whether it is unlocking someone/updating their password or helping someone navigate through the program, to letting others know of issues—there is definitely never a dull day. It’s a very challenging job.

Mary: What’s so great about my job is no day is ever the same. I love working with my team to problem solve and learn and share best practices for the EMR to help all users and providers in making their jobs easier. We’re also involved in the implementation and testing of new features. It’s very challenging and I learn something new every day.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?

Becky: I have just started my 16th year here at UPHS – Marquette and began my career as a Clinic Office Clerk in the UPHS Medical Specialists clinic. In 2010, I was offered to work with a team of people consisting of IT, providers, nurses, and clinic office clerks to help train the clinics on a new EMR program. We have since transitioned to another new EMR program and are continuing to train new staff and support our end-users.

Mary: I’ve been here 12 years and have always been in the same position—although the job changes constantly.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?

Becky: Learning a new EMR and how it works in all aspects of using it has been a big change. You must be ready for anything, including navigating through software updates, equipment updates/changes, and location changes.

Mary: The change in EMR vendor has been the biggest change for not only my team but the users as well. The evolution of our roles and tasks has changed greatly as well. 

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?

Becky: My sister and I work on a lot of “projects” including home and outside. When I’m not busy with that, I love reading a good book or listening to some great 70’s music and conjuring up a good home cooked meal. I enjoy walking the Superior shoreline and being outside in the woods in the surrounding area.

Mary: I love to spend time with my family and enjoy the beauty of the Upper Peninsula.  My favorite local gem is Lake Superior as well as the endless walking trails.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?

Becky: I enjoy the camaraderie since we are all here to help the patients and each other. It doesn’t matter if it’s on the clinical side of the operations or the hospital side—healthcare can be a challenge and it’s a great feeling to know we are all in this together.

Mary: Most definitely my team—past and present. I’ve had the honor of working with the most amazing people who I can now call friends. We can always count on each other. I also love working with all the users and helping in any way I can to ultimately provide the best healthcare for our patients.