UPHS — Marquette Heroes | Katie Wares

Katie Wares, Practice Manager for UPHS Family Medicine Lakewood and UPHS Family Medicine Negaunee.

What is your role at UP Health System – Marquette?
I am the Practice Manager for UPHS Family Medicine Lakewood and UPHS Family Medicine Negaunee.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
My mom worked for the hospital, first in the Billing Department and then with Central Scheduling, for many years. When I graduated high school, I was not sure of the career path I was looking for but knew that I enjoyed helping people and that the hospital was a great place to work.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
Managing two busy primary care clinics keeps my days busy, which I enjoy. One of my favorite things about my role is that day-to-day work varies. I spend my time problem-solving issues or concerns that may arise, running various reports, working on process and quality improvement, and helping the clinicians and staff with whatever they may need throughout the day.

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

I started with the hospital in April of 2005, so my 16-year anniversary is fast approaching. I started as a clerk in the Emergency Department. After five years in that role, I transferred to a clerical position at Lakewood Medical. In 2011, I was promoted to office supervisor for Lakewood and then to Practice Manager of Lakewood and Negaunee about a year after that. Since then, I managed UPHS Family Medicine – Marquette, and for a time I managed all three clinics. I also helped to organize the two COVID-19 Testing Centers this past year when the need arose.

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

The pandemic is the obvious answer when you take this question literally or from the boundaries of the role itself, but personally, my biggest change occurred when I became an Office Supervisor. That opportunity shaped my career into what it is today.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I coach middle school girls’ basketball at Superior Central and have been a member of the school board there for several years. Horses have always been a big part of my life, and continuing my education in horsemanship is very important to me. My daughter raises livestock for 4-H market projects, so most of our time is spent in the best place – our barn.

My favorite local gem is the Alger County Fair in Chatham. If you have never attended, I strongly suggest you do! It has a small-town charm you cannot find anywhere else. It is my favorite weekend of the year.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
As for the health system as a whole, I enjoy that there is a strong emphasis on upholding the organization’s Core Values. These are spread from the hospital to every outlying clinic and helps create a safe and enjoyable work environment for staff and patients alike.