UPHS — Marquette Heroes | Kristofer Dosh, MD

Kristofer Dosh, MD, is an Interventional Cardiologist and the Medical Director of the Heart & Vascular Center at UP Health System – Marquette.

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?
I am an Interventional Cardiologist and the Medical Director of the Heart & Vascular Center at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
Both my dad and his dad were physicians. I grew up observing my dad’s passion for medicine, excelled in the sciences throughout my education, and eventually decided to pursue medicine as a profession.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
My days are frequently long, with early hours, late evenings, and occasional trips into the hospital in the middle of the night. My time is split between clinical cardiology, catheterization lab interventions, and reading cardiovascular imaging studies. The field of interventional cardiology is very rewarding, particularly because many of the conditions we treat are rapidly reversible. Patients arrive with a serious medical condition that can be treated with a procedure that can take 30-60 minutes. After the procedure, most patients immediately improve and can return to life as normal.

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

I joined the Marquette Cardiology group after completing my fellowship 10 years ago. Our practice subsequently sold to Marquette General Hospital and then was acquired by Duke Lifepoint. The only change in my position with the group has been my role as Medical Director, which started a couple of years ago.  

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

The most rewarding changes have centered on various advanced procedures that we have brought to Marquette over the last several years: transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), coronary chronic total occlusion intervention (CTO PCI), and the WATCHMAN closure of the left atrial appendage, among others.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I spend a lot of time with family, but personal interests include single-track mountain biking, hunting, classical piano and I am trying to learn golf. My favorite local gem is the Noquemanon Trail Network. I mostly ride the south and north trail networks but RAMBA trails are also incredible.  

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
The people… patients, staff, and colleagues. I love having the opportunity to provide advanced cardiovascular care to the wonderful people in our community and am honored to do so alongside so many dedicated and talented people.