UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Andrew Markkola

What is your role at UPHS?

I am a Clinic Office Clerk for the Cancer Center at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

I’ve been in some form of customer service role all throughout my life so when I moved to Marquette, a good friend suggested I apply at the hospital. The inner workings of healthcare have always been intriguing, but I’d never really had an opportunity to jump in until moving here.

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

Well, like any seasoned healthcare worker, my day starts with a cup of coffee. Throughout the day I handle all the incoming calls for Hematology/Oncology, and with Radiation /Oncology and Infusion Services under the same roof, I field much of those calls too. I help all our patients with basic scheduling needs such as office visits and labs but it’s not always that simple. There's a lot of troubleshooting, juggling and multitasking in my day-to-day and I do my best to provide a quick and accurate resolution. However, I could not provide the level of service that I do without this amazing team here in the Cancer Center.

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

I’ve been with UPHS for six years, but I haven’t always been with the Cancer Center. I was an aide in the Medical/Surgical Unit for almost two years, then an operator on the switchboard—where I met so many amazing people across all departments— before settling in with the Cancer Center where it’ll be two years in November.

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

One of the bigger changes was coming out of the pandemic and being able to see people's faces without masks. We’re still very cautious, of course, as we have neutropenic patients, but being able to interact with them and see their faces and have them see ours has had a very positive impact on patients and staff alike.

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

I enjoy online gaming in my free time. I’ve met some of the nicest people from all over the world and have learned more bits of language and culture from those experiences than any textbook could ever come close to. My favorite local gem has to be Sol Azteca...even though it's now closed.

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

My favorite things about this place are the patients and my coworkers. I am honored to have a hand in making someone’s day just a little bit better and I certainly couldn’t do that without my awesome coworkers with me.