Strengthening access to high-quality surgical care for patients and families across the Upper Peninsula.

MARQUETTE, Mich. (Sept. 2, 2025) — UP Medical Group, which is an affiliate of UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette), announced today it has acquired Surgical Associates of Marquette, P.C., integrating its surgical expertise into a newly branded practice: UPHS – Marquette Surgical Associates. The move expands access to high-quality surgical care for patients across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

General surgeons at UP Medical Group provide a wide range of procedures, from common surgeries such as hernia and gallbladder repair to advanced procedures including colorectal, breast and trauma surgery. This breadth of expertise ensures patients in the Upper Peninsula have access to comprehensive surgical care close to home.

For more than forty years, Surgical Associates of Marquette, P.C., has been a trusted provider in the Upper Peninsula. The group’s commitment to personalized care now complements UPHS – Marquette’s resources, expanding access and making it easier for patients to receive surgical care when and where they need it.

By bringing together the professionals from Surgical Associates of Marquette, P.C., and UP Medical Group’s surgical services team, the acquisition strengthens surgical capacity and streamlines access — all delivered with the patient-focused approach the community expects.

“We are proud to welcome the talented team from Surgical Associates into the UP Health System family,” said Tonya Darner, market chief executive officer of UP Health System – Marquette and UP Health System – Bell. “By joining forces, we are expanding access to high-quality surgical care close to home while helping ensure patients continue to see the providers they know and trust. Together, we are strengthening our ability to meet the needs of our community today and for generations to come.”

The newly formed UPHS – Marquette Surgical Associates includes:

• Sara K. Herrera, MD
• Laura R. Lozier, MD
• Mark A. Sarazin, MD
• Sarah Bannan, NP
• Christie Ferrari, DNP
• John M. Toomey, NP

Their combined expertise spans a wide range of surgical specialties, delivering high-quality outcomes and compassionate care.

What this means for patients:

• Expanded availability: More scheduling options and access to surgical services.
• Trusted care: The same experienced surgeons, now supported by UPHS – Marquette’s broader clinical network.
• Coordinated services: From diagnosis through recovery, patients receive care under one system.
• Existing patients can continue to see their current providers, ensuring continuity of care throughout the transition.

UP Health System offers both inpatient and outpatient surgical care, delivered by experienced staff using advanced technology. The health system also operates verified trauma centers in Marquette and at UP Health System – Portage in Hancock, equipped to handle the most complex surgical emergencies. 

UP Health System – Marquette Surgical Associates is located at 1414 W. Fair Ave., Suite 230, Marquette, MI. For appointments or information, call 906.225.3853. Learn more about our surgical services team at UPHealthSystem.com/Surgical-Services.