UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Cassidy Cantalin (Thomas), PA-C
July 17, 2026
What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?
I am a PA (Physician Associate/Assistant) at UP Health System – Marquette.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I have always been interested in medicine since I was a little kid. As I got older, I got the opportunity to shadow many types of healthcare providers and found that being a PA was a great match for my lifestyle and interests.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
I work half the day in the pulmonary clinic and half the day in the hospital. In the pulmonary clinic, I mainly see pulmonary nodule patients, reviewing their imaging and setting them up for biopsy or further imaging/testing when necessary. In the hospital, I help our physicians see hospitalized pulmonary patients. Working in pulmonary is rewarding and challenging. My special interest is in pulmonary nodules and the diagnostic pathway of nodules.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have worked at UPHS-Marquette for three years. I’ve worked as a PA for all three years.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
When I started in this position, Dr. Karulf was starting a lung nodule program. Since he and I started, we have seen a stage shift in lung cancer diagnoses, meaning we are catching and treating lung cancers earlier! This would not be possible without the hard work of the entire pulmonary team, cardiovascular surgery team, oncology teams, endoscopy teams and so many more folks.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my dog and husband. I like to bake, mountain bike, run, hike, ski, read and spend as much time as I can outside. My favorite local gem is Little Presque Isle.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
What I love about UP Health Systems is getting to provide high-quality care in a rural setting. I have such an amazing team to work with; I feel lucky to get to collaborate with them every day. It is also so special to get to care for the people in the community where I was raised and that means so much to me.