UPHS – Portage Heroes | Becca Oger, CCHT
October 18, 2024
What is your role at UP Health System – Portage?
I am a certified clinical hemodialysis technician.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
I have always been passionate about caring for and helping people. My inspiration to work in healthcare started in high school when my great-grandparents were having frequent appointments at local hospitals. My great-grandma was diagnosed with kidney failure and had treatments at Portage Dialysis. I always enjoyed coming to visit her here and as soon as a position was available in the Dialysis Center, I applied for it.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
In the morning, I come in and get the machines set up for our patients before they arrive. Once our patients get here, I focus on helping them to their chairs and start their dialysis treatments. We have a second set of patients that arrive in the afternoon. Dialysis is very busy and even though we do the same setup each day, not a single day here is the same.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
There are always changes in healthcare and it is very important to be open to making those changes.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Typically, I spend most of my time at the golf course in the summer and at the ice rink in the winter watching hockey.
My favorite local gem would be Great Sand Bay Beach—I enjoy going there with our family to swim and watch the sunsets.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Portage?
I enjoy our dialysis team and getting to see our patients three times a week.