UP Health System – Marquette Heroes | Malinda Willey

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am a Certified Medical Assistant in Neurosurgery at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

Growing up, I’ve always had a lot of health issues. Whenever something happened to me, it seemed like everyone would jump in to help. There came a point when I wanted to become the person who could jump in to lend a hand.

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

There is no typical day for me. Some days I am in my office constantly on my phone, some days I am greeting patients at our clinic in Portage, and some days I run the clinic in Iron Mountain. Working in this field is challenging because you never know how your day will unfold. You might wake up one day thinking it will be a good day, and then with one phone call, all that goes away. You need to find the good in everything.

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

I have only been employed here for about one year, but it truthfully feels like I’ve been here a lot longer. I originally started working in medical records for Neurosurgery. Six months later, I applied to the back as a medical assistant for Neurosurgery, and I’ve been with Dr. Hogan’s team ever since.

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

One of the biggest changes that I have experienced so far is seeing Dr. Coccia slowly making his way into retirement. Brain and Spine will definitely feel the loss of his presence.

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

Outside of work, I am currently training for a marathon. Anyone who knows me knows that I am completely obsessed with running, and you can usually find me on some sort of trail or the side of a road getting some miles in during my free time. As for my favorite local gem, I am a little bit biased. My family owns Willey’s Tire Shop and has owned it since 1923. I grew up there. It is my second home, and it’s my favorite gem.

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

The thing that I enjoy most about working at UPHS-Marquette is my people: my coworkers and my patients.