UP Health System – Marquette Family Medicine Referral Coordinator Gladys Stockert Honored with Julianne Kirkham Award

Gladys with members of the UPHS – Marquette leadership team, from left to right: Brynn Carlson, Manager, UP Health System – Marquette | Family Medicine; Paul Camilli, Regional Vice President, Medical Group Practices; Gladys Stockert; Lisa Long, MD, Chief Medical Officer; Tonya Darner, Chief Executive Officer.

Gladys Stockert, referral coordinator in the Family Medicine Clinic 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 recognizes exemplary employees in support and ancillary departments who clearly see and act on their purpose in supporting the care of our patients and community.

Stockert was nominated for her tireless behind-the-scenes work ensuring patients are connected with the care they need. In her role, she carefully considers insurance coverage, clinical needs and patient preferences to identify appropriate referral options and overcome barriers to access.

One nomination highlighted her extraordinary persistence in helping a young child who needed a surgical referral. Due to insurance limitations and transportation challenges, Stockert contacted at least ten different locations before securing an appropriate referral for the patient. Her commitment ensured the child was able to access needed care despite significant obstacles.

In addition to her referral coordination responsibilities, Stockert serves as a liaison and key point of contact for patients in the medications for opioid use disorder clinic. She connects with patients during online visits, schedules follow-up appointments to reduce front desk wait times and provides her direct contact information to help eliminate communication barriers. She also maintains a list of vulnerable patients and proactively checks in when they have not been seen recently.

Patients and colleagues alike describe Stockert as consistently kind, responsive and a strong advocate for those she serves. Her steady presence and dedication help support some of the most vulnerable patients in our care

“Glady is our referral coordinator and she works tirelessly to consider patient insurance and patient preferences and connect them with the care they need. She does this work ‘behind the scenes’ with minimal recognition… She is always available for questions or updates about referrals, and always kind and an advocate for patients. In addition to this vital work, she also acts as a liaison and point of contact for our patients in our medications for opioid use disorder clinic… Our patients love her and see her as a kind and consistent person helping make this program successful.”

Gladys with members of the UPHS – Marquette | Family Medicine team.

 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, believed 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 helped put her patients at ease.

Dr. Kirkham lived her life with a greater purpose to help others. Sadly, she 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 her. In her honor, 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.