UP Health System – Marquette Heroes | Jodi McCollum, PA

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am the Trauma Program Manager and a physician assistant at UPHS – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

My parents were my inspiration to be in the healthcare. My mom is a nurse and my dad was a fireman/EMT.

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

Like every job in medicine, every day is different. As the Trauma Program Manager, my job is to ensure we comply with all the standards required by the American College of Surgeons to maintain our Level II trauma verification. This includes chart reviews for best practices, assessing quality measures, and reviewing and updating practice management guidelines to ensure we provide the best care to injured patients from the time they are hurt to when they are discharged.

On a daily basis, I review charts of in-house patients and those admitted the day before. When traumas come in during the day, I assist as needed. I also manage monthly multidisciplinary peer review meetings and trauma system meetings, and I provide feedback and education to outside hospitals on patient care.

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

I have worked at Marquette General and UPHS – Marquette as a physician assistant for 22 years. After graduating from PA school, I worked part-time in cardiology and part-time in the ED.

The hospital asked me to take on the role of Trauma Program Manager and develop the hospital into a Level II trauma center, which I did for eight years. I then transitioned to being the Trauma/Acute Care Surgery PA, a role I held for 10 years. After that, I worked in gastroenterology for two years before realizing my passion for trauma care. I returned to the Trauma Program Manager role a year and a half ago.

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

I remember when we still wrote progress notes by hand, used paper charting, and the nurses logged vitals on paper in the patient’s room. The transition to computer charting and moving to the current hospital are two of the biggest changes I’ve experienced.

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

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with my family. I am fortunate to have a great husband and three kids. I enjoy traveling—especially with my family—hiking, bonfires, picnics in the woods, kayaking, and all the classic Upper Peninsula activities.

My favorite local gem is the sleepy little town of Deerton. It has my favorite waterfalls, hiking trails, and hidden views of Lake Superior.

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

The people are the best part of working here. I love the friendships I’ve made over the years. It truly feels like a second family.