UPHS — Portage Heroes | Maria Sturos

What is your title and role at UPHS-Portage?

PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant) and Cardiopulmonary Rehab Technician.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

I went into the healthcare field because I knew I wanted a job where I would be working with people. I love helping people and watching them make changes and improvements in their lives is exciting.

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

We see Cardiac Rehab patients on Monday and Wednesday in our gym. Pulmonary Rehab patients come in on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We work with our patients to promote lifestyle changes including exercise, stress management, and diet modifications to improve their overall health. It is rewarding to see patients who have experienced major medical issues such as bypass surgery and heart attack go on to recover and return to an active lifestyle.

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

I started at Portage in June of 2000 working in the Rehab department as a Physical Therapist Assistant. I left the area from 2002-2004. I have worked in Rehab since 2004 in various areas of the Rehab department including Inpatient Rehab, Home Health, Portage Pointe, and Pediatrics. In 2019 I cross-trained to Cardiac Rehab, and I work regularly here now while continuing my role as a PRN PTA.

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

From the Physical Therapy side, one of the biggest changes I have seen is the length of hospital stay. When I first started working, patients with Joint Replacement would be in the hospital for a week or more. However, now they go home much sooner.

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

Outside of work, I love to spend time outdoors. We have the best summers here in the UP and we get out on our boat every chance we get! My husband and I are busy raising our family. We spend a lot of time at their sporting events and shuttling them to their various activities. My favorite local gem is Brunet Park. It’s a great place to swim and jump off the natural sandstone ledges under the water.

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

The people! The patients and the staff. We have the best team here and I see it as I work in the various departments. My co-workers make this a great place to work.