UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Cory Blight

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am the Core Lab Manager at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

I knew that I wanted to help people and stay local coming out of high school and the Lab seemed like a perfect fit.

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

My days are usually non-stop from the time I get here until I leave. With a lab as big and complex as ours, there is always quality control to review, procedures and policies to maintain, instruments that need attention or staff that have questions or concerns. Working in this field can be highly rewarding as there are always opportunities to learn something new or make something better. It can be overwhelming at times, but I have great staff and exceptional leadership in the lab to make it all work.

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

June of this year will be 31 years. I started as a part-time Medical Laboratory Technician, working afternoons and nights, moved to afternoon Shift Supervisor, then Lab Technical Service Representative, and Specimen Processing Supervisor. From there, I transitioned to a position as a Systems Analyst in Information Technology (IT), working on the lab information systems. Finally, an opportunity for me to come back to the lab as Core Lab Manager arose and it felt like the right timing to make the change.

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

As far as lab testing is concerned, the biggest advancements have been automation in the lab and the advent of molecular assays that are now available. Some of the biggest challenges for me included the preparation of all of the interfaces to the instruments when the new facility was being built and subsequently moved, and of course, all of the build and testing surrounding the Cerner Go-Live.  

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

I love spending time with my wife, friends and family (we have four children and one granddaughter who we adore). I have met some amazing people that I now call friends here at UPHS – Marquette and it is always a pleasure to catch up with them. I also enjoy playing bass in local watering holes and stages with local bands that I have been a part of. I have many favorite local spots, but my favorite is wherever my family is. 

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

My co-workers are the best (past and present). I have learned from each of them and attribute any success I may have had to them. We are really lucky to have such talented people surrounding us here at UPHS – Marquette.