What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am a medical laboratory technician at UPHS – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

When I was in high school, we had HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), and I shadowed at the old hospital and found the atmosphere and the pace exciting and interesting. I was originally interested in respiratory therapy, but due to unforeseen events, I changed my path to laboratory sciences. 

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

Most of my days are fast-paced and involve lots of problem-solving. The lab is a very important part of the healthcare team, and we spend a lot of time troubleshooting everything from our instrumentation to lab results for a whole multitude of patients. I specifically work on the afternoon shift at our hospital, and we service a lot of the labs around the Upper Peninsula, and we work as a reference facility. On the daily we serve many people all over and treat every single specimen with absolute care. 

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

I have been here for almost seven years and have been a medical laboratory technician the entire time. 

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

We are constantly learning new things and changing, such as when I was hired, I started at the old hospital. I was around when we moved, and that was a unique experience as well as learning a whole new computer system. This place keeps me on my toes. 

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

I enjoy the outdoors as well as the indoors. I have many different hobbies such as hiking, crocheting, video games, gardening and fishing. I love the beach. I grew up across the street from Lake Superior, so listening to the waves is one of my favorite things to do. 

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

I enjoy my coworkers; if it weren't for some of the wonderful people I work with, it would be hard to make it through the work week. The people here try their best to work as a team every day. The people who show up and consistently do the work and show up for the patients make it worth it.