Uphs — Portage Heroes | Charles Goodwin, Md, Ph.d. And Jessie Salo, Fnp

Dr. Charles Goodwin is a Hematology and Oncology Physician, and Jessie Salo is Oncology Nurse Practitioner at UP Health System – Portage.

What is your title and role at UPHS – Portage? 

Goodwin: I am a Hematology and Oncology Physician at UP Health System – Portage that is responsible for diagnosing and treating patients with cancers and blood conditions. 
Salo: I am an Oncology Nurse Practitioner at UP Health System – Portage.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare? 

Goodwin: My parents worked in healthcare all throughout my years of growing up, my father was a physician and my mother was a nurse. 
Salo: I really enjoy helping people and hearing their stories, nursing seemed to be the right fit for me. 

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

Goodwin: Generally I see patients in the clinic in the mornings and afternoons on Monday through Wednesdays. I will also see patients in the hospital too to help with their care. On Thursdays and Fridays, I travel to Marquette to see patients in their clinics. This position is very rewarding, I enjoy getting to know my patients and getting to work with a caring team. 
Salo: I spend most of my time in the clinic seeing patients and working with the Oncologist and nurses to initiate and manage cancer care treatment plans. 

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

Goodwin: I have not been employed in my current position for very long. I recently started as a physician here at Portage this past August. 
Salo: I have been working here for 8 years and 3 years as an NP. Prior to my current role, I worked as one of the Chemotherapy/Oncology nurses. 

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

Goodwin: Due to being fairly new here, I have not experienced big changes, besides the snow. There is a lot more snow than when I started. 
Salo: The biggest change is seeing how Health Care is evolving. It really is incredible to see how rapidly cancer treatment is advancing in most recent years. 

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

Goodwin: Outside of work, I enjoy reading and listening to music. I like hiking with my dog Daisy. As for a favorite local gem, I do not have one yet as I still have a lot more exploring to do around the Upper Peninsula and in the Copper Country. 
Salo: I like to spend my time with my husband and our two boys. We love to do anything outdoors including, swimming, hiking, snowshoeing, and skating. 

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

Goodwin: I enjoy living and working in a smaller community. I really appreciate my patients and my colleagues and I am thankful to work at a place where you can get to know everyone. 
Salo: I enjoy the community that comes with working here at UPHS – Portage.