Mariah Lewis, Certified Medical Assistant in Heart & Vascular at UP Health System - Marquette, has been chosen as the latest recipient of the Dr. Julianne Kirkham Award. This award at UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette) recognizes exemplary employees of the support and ancillary departments of the hospital who clearly see and act on their purpose in supporting the care of our patients and community.

Mariah with members of the UPHS – Marquette leadership team, from left to right: Paul Camilli, Regional Vice President, Medical Group Practices; Jason Collins, Vice President of Operations; Lisa Long, MD, Chief Medical Officer; Mariah Lewis; Tonya Darner, Chief Executive Officer; Meg McConnnell, Chief Nursing Officer; Polly Hockenberger, Vice President of Operations; and Julie Nordberg, Executive Director of Nursing. 

A family member nominated Mariah for the compassionate care and attentiveness she showed during a difficult appointment for their mother, who had just been diagnosed with a new condition. Despite the office being busy, Mariah took the time to listen not only to their mother’s concerns but also to those of each family member, easing their anxiety and creating a calmer, more positive atmosphere. She approached every interaction with warmth and respect, ensuring that questions were answered or noting when Dr. Markowicz would address them. Her knowledge, kindness and ability to make their mother feel like the most important patient in the office left a lasting impression. The family left reassured, confident they were in the best hands, and grateful for the genuine compassion Mariah displayed.

"Our mom was experiencing a newly diagnosed condition and we all had our concerns. Mariah took the time she had to hear all of us speak as well as hear our mom. She made the visit a lot less stressful and gloomy; everything was done with a smile and compassion. If there was something she could not answer, she made sure to let us all know that Dr. Markowicz would be the one to address that question. We are a very demanding group and we all left feeling taken care of and respected by everyone we came into contact with. Mariah reassured us that with that doctor, we are in one of the best sets of hands around. Very knowledgeable and kind for being so young. You could see the office was busy that day, but she made our mom feel like she was the only patient in the office." — Excerpt from Mariah’s nomination

Mariah and her family.

About the Dr. Julianne Kirkham Award

Named in honor of Dr. Julianne Kirkham, this award pays tribute to those who, just as Dr. Kirkham did, believe that our own lives become better as we help others’ lives become better. Every individual patient mattered to Dr. Kirkham, and she touched countless lives throughout her career. She was a true educator to patients, families, and fellow medical colleagues. She was intellectually curious and had a deep love for helping others. Her warmth, knowledgeable compassion, sense of justice, and fierce advocacy for her patients during their darkest times gave them hope and direction. Her sense of humor was brilliant, helping to put her patients at ease. Dr. Kirkham lived her life with a greater purpose to help others.

Sadly, Dr. Kirkham passed away unexpectedly in 2020. She was courageous, generous, and inspiring, with an unrelenting desire to create a ripple effect of positive change in the people and the world around us. In honor of Dr. Kirkham’s memory, UP Health System – Marquette created this award to recognize those who follow in her footsteps.

Recipients of this award are chosen by a hospital committee on a quarterly basis based on nominations submitted by staff.