UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Kim Santiago

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?
I am the Patient Transport Supervisor at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
My first real exposure to the field of healthcare was when my mother underwent brain surgery. Seeing the cooperation, compassion, and determination portrayed by hospital staff of all kinds to ensure her recovery became a significant inspiration to me. It motivated me to a point that I decided to pursue a career as a physician.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
Every day is quite different depending on how busy the hospital is. Some days I get some downtime, while other days I can walk 10 miles in a shift. I help patients safely go where they need to go around the hospital including imaging, procedures, or to their room. In between transports, I help make sure the Patient Transport department is running smoothly and efficiently.

This field can be physically or mentally demanding at times, but it is very rewarding to see patients get healthier. Witnessing all the teamwork with patients, families, and staff all with the goal of healing motivates me to keep trying my best.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have been with UP Health System for five years. I initially was a volunteer at the front desk but shortly after became a patient transporter and eventually the transport supervisor.

Where are you headed next and how has working at UPHS helped to prepare you?
I'll be studying to become a physician at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids and will be moving there in August. So much work went into getting that acceptance letter, but I contribute much of my success to working at UPHS and having a lot of support here.

Being involved in patients' journeys from admission, procedures, recovery, and finally to discharge showed me the importance of quality healthcare. I gained experience and knowledge in all the different medical specialties and processes. Working at UPHS and in a hospital setting taught me crucial lessons that I am certain will continue to help me in the future as a medical student and beyond.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Outside of work, I try to vary my hobbies. In the summer I ride my motorcycle, go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and more. In the winter, I snowboard down Marquette Mountain and other local slopes. Year-round, I go to the gym and tend to my childhood hobby of saltwater fish-keeping. Even though I have been there countless times, my favorite local gem is Presque Isle – whether I get there via two wheels or four.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
Besides seeing the joy of patients getting healthier, I enjoy working with all the hospital staff and especially my fellow transporters. Through the years, I have befriended many exceptional individuals and hope to keep in touch with them well into the future.