Uphs – Portage Heroes | Christa Wede, Cnmt

What is your role at UPHS-Portage?
I work in Radiology as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist where I administer radioactive tracers to patients, and then I perform nuclear imaging using a specialized camera to detect abnormalities in how the body functions. There are a variety of imaging procedures that nuclear medicine can focus on including the brain, thyroid, bones, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. The most common studies are Stress Testing or PET scans. 

How long have you been employed here? How have you been enjoying your employment experience thus far?
I started in March of 2021 as PRN traveling from Marquette to help on the days the PET scanner was here, as I made my transition to working full time in May. 

How do you define success? 
I would define success as something you keep pursuing, setting goals, and reaching them. A sense of success is the satisfaction when you reach a personal goal, life goal, health goal, financial or work goal. To be successful is to set goals that are achievable and continuing to set goals to become a better version of yourself, something you are proud of; liking what you do and how you do it.  

Tell us a little bit about your family:
I am the youngest of 3 older brothers. I was the only girl in our family until my niece was born 3 years ago and she is now the princess of the family. My mom and dad play a very important role in our family. My family lives in Lower Michigan but I hope to get my parents to move up here when they retire. I do have my own little family up here with my boyfriend and our dog Samson. We made this move together from Marquette and are excited to set some roots. 

What sorts of things do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy hiking, fishing, ice fishing, golfing, running, boat rides, sunsets, and walking the beach with my dog. 

Can you share something about yourself that would surprise us?
I have a 150-pound dog that follows me around everywhere and the funniest part is my dog and my boyfriend share the same name, Sam. It definitely can get confusing in our house.  

You’re happiest when…
I’m happiest when I am with family and my dog, helping people, or listening/having meaningful conversations. Family is important to me, and I am happiest when I am with them. I do really enjoy my job and am happy helping others either at work or outside of work. I enjoy good conversations and hearing patient stories of the past about how they used to do things and how things have changed over the years. 

What is the best part about working for UPHS-Portage? 
I enjoy the people, coworkers, and patients. Everyone is very helpful and inviting. One thing I noticed right away working here is, everyone says hello or asks you how your day is going when you walk through the halls, and people are eager to help others navigate through the halls. I also enjoy our patients here, and our patients are thankful for our services. I enjoy hearing all the positive things patients have to say about our hospital, about their hospital stay, their time on the floor, and how good or nice their nurse(s) care was or the doctor’s attentiveness, the quality of care or timeliness of the ER, good outcomes from surgeries, our clinics and personable doctors, all the services we provide, and the care and comfort from staff. Patients are proud of their community hospital, and I think that is something to be proud of.