UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Merlen Borgialli, AT, ATC

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am an Athletic Trainer with UP Health System – Rehab Services, a department of UP Health System – Marquette. I'm usually at the Sports Medicine Institute working in outpatient orthopedic rehab both on my own and alongside the physical therapists in the clinic. In the afternoons and evenings, I also provide high school outreach care at the home sports events.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

I have always been interested in treating sports-related injuries since I was in school, so athletic training was a good fit.

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

On a typical day, I'm doing outpatient rehab most of the day. Once the school sports season starts, two to five days per week I'm covering a home event. My position requires long work weeks but it's satisfying when I can help out the young athletes recover from injuries and return to participating in the sports they love.

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

I have been employed by the hospital since 2009 as an Athletic Trainer, but have worked in Marquette as a Clinical Athletic Trainer providing outreach care since 1988.

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

I'm always up for some hunting, fishing, and golf if I'm not walking the dogs. If I'm not working on the weekends I'll go up to Straight Line Archery to shoot my bow.

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

I enjoy the support I get and being able to work with a multidisciplinary team, from the providers, EMTs, nurses, other athletic trainers, and more.