A Tribute to UP Health System – Marquette’s Cardiology Founders: Alan Hunter, MD and Thomas LeGalley, MD

Dr. Alan Hunter (left) and Dr. Thomas LeGalley (right)

Today, the Heart & Vascular Center at UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette) offers a wide range of cardiovascular services including general cardiology, diagnostic and interventional procedures, electrophysiology, cardiac rehabilitation and cardiothoracic surgery, including open-heart procedures. But before it became the advanced center it is today, two trailblazing, visionary providers—Alan Hunter, MD, and Thomas LeGalley, MD—pioneered cardiovascular care in the Upper Peninsula (UP) with foresight, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence, laying the foundation for the comprehensive cardiology program we rely on today.

“Without their forward-thinking approach, our community would not have the world-class cardiovascular care it has now, enabling UP residents to receive top-tier heart care without leaving the region,” said Heart & Vascular operations manager, Stephanie Carlson.

Recognizing Retired Board-Certified Thoracic Surgeon Alan Hunter, MD

Alan Hunter, MD, a board-certified thoracic and cardiac surgeon, played a key role in developing UP Health System’s cardiovascular surgery program.

Dr. Hunter earned his medical degree from the University of British Columbia and completed advanced training at the University of Michigan Health System. He joined Marquette General (now UPHS – Marquette) in 1974 and performed the hospital’s first open-heart surgery in 1978, transforming cardiac care in the UP. His arrival marked a turning point for the hospital, as he set out to build both vascular and cardiology programs from the ground up.

"With the help of Mr. Neldberg (CEO of Marquette General Hospital) and the hospital board, we were able to establish a vascular program that progressed into cardiology and cardiac surgery. This success was made possible by the development of a strong cardiovascular team and the recruitment of specialists," said Dr. Hunter.

His ambitious vision quickly became reality, as he spearheaded efforts to establish the necessary infrastructure and recruit top talent to deliver cutting-edge care. Known for his easygoing personality, loyalty to patients and commitment to exceptional surgical standards, Dr. Hunter built a lasting legacy. His determination and innovative leadership transformed cardiac care in the region, making Marquette General Hospital a trusted destination for comprehensive heart and vascular services.

Honoring Retired Board-Certified Cardiologist, Thomas LeGalley, MD

Thomas LeGalley, MD, board-certified in cardiology and cardiovascular disease, was one of the first cardiologists in the UP. Arriving in 1977, he founded Upper Michigan Cardiovascular Associates and established Marquette General's Heart Institute. He earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, completed training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and then his cardiology fellowship at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. LeGalley’s vision extended beyond traditional cardiology. He was one of the first in the state to perform procedures like pacemaker implantation in the cath lab—rather than the operating room—becoming one of the first in Michigan. Pacemaker implantation involves placing a small device to regulate the heart's rhythm, typically by guiding leads through veins to connect them to the heart under imaging guidance. Unlike the operating room, which is designed for open surgical procedures requiring general anesthesia, the cath lab offers a minimally invasive approach with real-time imaging. This innovation reduced patient recovery time, minimized risks and made the procedure more accessible, revolutionizing cardiac care in the region.

"I enjoyed working in the Cath Lab. When someone came in with a heart attack, experiencing terrible chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath, I would use a catheter to place a stent in the blocked artery, restoring blood flow. The heart would usually quickly recover, and the patient would feel better, often ready to go home the same day," said Dr. LeGalley. "It was rewarding to see the impact of our work. I'm proud of what we've achieved over the years in establishing the cardiology program here. It has grown and successfully met the needs of the community and surrounding areas."

Dr. LeGalley practiced both general and interventional cardiology, laying the groundwork for UP Health System's comprehensive cardiology services, such as cardiac rehabilitation, nuclear imaging, echocardiography, EKG and cath lab procedures. Dr. LeGalley also served as chief of staff at the hospital during his tenure, a role that involved providing leadership to the medical staff, overseeing clinical quality and ensuring collaboration between physicians and hospital administration.

Dr. LeGalley’s commitment to the UP goes far beyond medicine, extending into community and charitable involvement. Alongside his family, Dr. LeGalley supports numerous organizations that enhance the quality of life in the region. His contributions include support for Beacon House and the YMCA, including the LeGalley Cardiac Fitness Area. Throughout his amazing career, Dr. LeGalley was president of UP Medical Center and district counselor of the Michigan Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (ACC). The list of his charitable work is extensive, reflecting his dedication to improving the community on multiple levels. Dr. LeGalley’s engagement exemplifies how deeply he and his family care about the health, wellness and vitality of the UP.

Trailblazing Programs and Procedures

Drs. Hunter and LeGalley’s work led to numerous groundbreaking services and programs:

• Open-Heart Surgery: The first procedure was performed at Marquette General in 1978, opening new possibilities for patients in the UP.
• Innovative Cath Lab Services: Dr. LeGalley led the transition of pacemaker implantation to the Cardiac Cath Lab, a pioneering move that reshaped cardiac procedures.
• Coronary Artery Angioplasty: Among the first in Michigan, this advanced treatment furthered UP Health System's dedication to innovative care.

Defining Cardiovascular Excellence in the Region

In recognition of the hospital’s progress, Marquette General Hospital was named one of the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals for Cardiovascular Care by Thomson Reuters from 2006 to 2010. In 2011, this designation was elevated, with Marquette General named one of the Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals nationwide.

UPHS – Marquette is also accredited by the ACC for its cardiac catheterization lab. The ACC's Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation recognizes facilities that perform diagnostic catheterizations. The accreditation is based on an onsite evaluation of the staff's ability to evaluate, diagnose, treat, develop an action plan and monitor for sustained success.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Today, UPHS – Marquette’s Heart and Vascular Program performs more than 4,000 cath lab procedures annually, including balloon angioplasty, stenting and atherectomy, alongside more than 180 open-heart surgeries. The accomplishments of Dr. Hunter and Dr. LeGalley are not just milestones in the hospital’s history; they represent life-changing impacts on countless patients and families throughout the UP.

Their dedication and teamwork, echoed by colleagues and patients, have established a powerful legacy in heart care at UPHS – Marquette. As Dr. John Pap, MD, reflected:

“Dr. Tom LeGalley and Dr. Al Hunter had the courage, fortitude, and wisdom to start cardiology and vascular specialties in a remote underserved but beautiful part of the country. Together they built a state-of-the-art cardiovascular program that provided and continues to provide care for hundreds of thousands of people. The program serves as a testimony of what can be accomplished by dedicated individuals who follow their dreams. We applaud the efforts that led to our regional medical center and the cardiovascular program which will be their legacy in perpetuity.”

The remarkable accomplishments and bold pursuits of Dr. Hunter and Dr. LeGalley have propelled UPHS – Marquette to become a recognized center of cardiac excellence. We honor their achievements and the ongoing contributions of their colleagues, who ensure that UPHS – Marquette Heart and Vascular remains a beacon of hope, healing and innovation in the UP.

Providers from the Heart & Vascular team at Dr. LeGalley’s retirement party from left to right:
Front Row: Mark Cowan, MD; Thomas LeGalley, MD; Gail Brayden, MD
Back Row: Alan Hunter, MD; James Christensen, MD; David Pesola, MD; John Pap, MD; Nelson Gencheff, DO; and William Jean, MD