UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Christina Bennett

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am a Pharmacy technician in the Cancer Center at UP Health System–Marquette (UPHS–Marquette).

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

My inspiration for getting into healthcare was the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives every day. Knowing that my work directly affects patients' care and well-being is what drew me in, and it's what keeps me motivated.

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

My day starts with a morning cup of ambition. Two shots of espresso with a splash of milk from my favorite baristas. Thank you Coffee for a Cause and Beacon House. Cheers.

A typical day is spent in the IV rooms, moving between the hazardous and non-hazardous rooms to prepare medications. Since each patient's treatment is specific to their needs, medications are made as patients come in and as they're needed, rather than all at once ahead of time.

The pace can vary a lot — some days and weeks are much busier than others, and it can get very fast-paced. On top of that, every medication has its own specific timing and expiration window, so time management is key to staying on top of it all.

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

I've been here for just over eight years. Pharmacy technician is the only position I've held — I started in inpatient pharmacy, then moved to the cancer center in January 2020.

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

A big change I've experienced in this position is the number of new drugs that come out each year, including biosimilars — similar versions of existing biologic drugs that give patients more treatment options.

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

Outside of work, I enjoy biking and skiing the beautiful trails we have here, as well as spending time with my wife and our two dogs, Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne. My favorite local gem is anywhere along Lake Superior, where my wife and I can collect rocks, swim a little, and watch the waves and ore boats go by.

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

What I enjoy most about working at UP Health System is what I do every day — making medications to the very best of my ability.