UP Health System – Marquette Heroes | Kareem Shaw
October 16, 2026
What is your role at UP Health System – Marquette?
I am the executive chef at UP Health System – Marquette.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I've always been passionate about food, and healthcare gave me the opportunity to impact people's lives in a meaningful way through nutrition and meal experiences.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
Start at 5:30 am: checking email, making sure my breakfast cooks have everything they need.
6:00 am: looking at the catering board to see what catering is going out for the day
6:15 am – 7:00 am: prepping any catering we have for the day.
7:00 am – 10:45 am: start cooking food for the savory station, while doing quality checks on the other café station and the tray line.
11:00 am – 2:00 pm: cook food for the Savory station, check in on the patient tray line, and give support to other café stations if needed.
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: check e-mail, do schedule, write recipes, plan out catering, order food for any special events. Cook dinner for the café opening at 4 pm.
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm: do tray line dinner specials, clean up my station, check in with my cooks to make sure they don’t need anything and leave for the day.
Learning the medical aspect and all the different diets and textures is exciting. It’s fun learning how to handle food from a different perspective.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I’ve been with UP Health System for a year and a half. Yes, I have been in the same position. I was hired as the Executive Chef of Food and Nutrition when I began.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
The biggest adjustment has been learning the wide variety of therapeutic diets and food textures required in a healthcare setting. It's been a great learning experience and has expanded my understanding of how food supports patient care.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I'm a huge football fan. You'll usually find me cheering for the San Francisco 49ers and Alabama football. I also enjoy live music, festivals and unique dining experiences.
As for a favorite local gem, it's hard to choose just one. I really enjoy all the events and activities that take place downtown throughout the year.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
The people — that’s one of many reasons I moved back to the U.P.