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UP Health System - Marquette Heroes | Michael Duckwall, FNP
December 15, 2023
What is your role at UPHS?
I am a Nurse Practitioner for inpatient and outpatient diabetes management at UP Health System – Marquette.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I'm drawn to public service, and healthcare was the best path for me. I love the aspect of continual learning and have crossed into different disciplines during my career. Lastly, the opportunity to live where I want and feel most connected to my community is important. For me, that was moving back to Marquette after many years away and after having worked in different healthcare systems.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
My day starts at the hospital where our diabetes team reviews our new and existing consults. From there I’ll see patients on the floor, discuss care plans with nursing staff and providers, and update diabetes orders. A large part of our role is setting safe diabetes discharge plans and coordinating outpatient care for our patients. Our diabetes educators can see patients in the clinic or follow up with them remotely. My afternoon is at the Bariatric Clinic where I see a range of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I’ve been employed for three years. My focus has primarily stayed the same, but our inpatient and outpatient services have expanded in ways to meet the needs across the health system.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
The changes with diabetes technology are some of the biggest. New insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitor devices have become more advanced and provide greater benefits to the patient. Our team continually updates ourselves on these new technologies and therapies to improve the quality of care we provide. We also want to be available to staff to support their learning around these new technologies.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Most of my time outside of work surrounds my family. My wife and I have two daughters in elementary school. Coming back to Marquette and having quick access to the outdoors was a large draw. We like canoe tripping (Isle Royale our most recent adventure), skiing, skating, cooking together, traveling, and visiting with friends new/old. We’re also scanning the event pages at NMU and staying active there. The Lake Superior coastline never gets old.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
The UPHS staff makes it most enjoyable for me. I’m surrounded by great people and teams that are driven to deliver quality, compassionate care.