UP Health System – Marquette Heroes | Callie Church

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am a clinic office clerk (COC) at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

My sister—a nurse downstate—and my daughter inspired me to take on this role. My sister is one of the hardest-working and most dedicated people I know, and she takes pride in the care she provides. In high school, I felt compelled to follow in her footsteps, but I realized during my CNA exam that a clinical role wouldn't be the best fit for me. This left me feeling discouraged until I had my daughter in 2021. I ended up staying home with her for the first 5 years until she began school, which motivated me to continue to pursue a career that was a better fit, which ended up being an administrative/office role in healthcare. The goal is for her to see that mothers work just like fathers, and that she can be whatever she puts her mind to, no matter how difficult or unexpected that path may be.  

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

A typical day includes directing inquiries (medication refills, clinical questions, appointment scheduling, etc.), checking-in/out patients, answering phones, and overall being the first point of contact as patients come to our clinic. 

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

I started working here at the end of April of this year, so I'm fairly new to the COC position. I look forward to the continued professional growth through UPHS-Marquette! 

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

Being so new, I haven't experienced too many major changes to the role, but technology within healthcare is ever-changing, so I expect plenty to come.

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

As an unintentional collector of hobbies, I tend to rotate through many interests, including (but not limited to) crochet, rockhounding and various mediums of art. You can find me outside with my daughter exploring Marquette, specifically at the beaches along Lake Shore Blvd. 

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

The people I've met (and am looking forward to meeting!) are without a doubt my favorite part. I love meeting all the different patients who come through our doors, and my colleagues didn't hesitate to make me feel right at home and accepted as part of their staff. That is a rare attribute to find in a job.