Meet our Anesthesiologist and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

Left to right: Sean McBride, MD, Quinn LeRoy, CRNA, Mike Salmi, CRNA and Lynnette Huller, CRNA.

If you have ever had a procedure done at UP Health System – Portage (UPHS – Portage) that required anesthesia, chances are you have met someone from our amazing team

Meet Mike Salmi, a CRNA who has been with UPHS – Portage for nearly 20 years. CRNAs are advanced practice nurses who safely administer anesthesia in collaboration with other medical professionals and stay with patients throughout their procedure to ensure their comfort and safety. 

Q: When did you first think of becoming a CRNA?

A: During my senior year at Gladstone High School after reading about the job description in a magazine. Observing CRNAs in practice during my schooling and nursing career solidified my desire to pursue anesthesia nursing training.

Q: Where did you receive your medical education?

A: I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Miami in Florida in 1994 with a US Army ROTC scholarship. I received my Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Texas, Houston Health Science Center (US Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing) in 1999.

Q: Why did you choose your specialty?

A: Anesthesia is intriguing. Nursing calls us to be present and vigilant patient advocates. Being a CRNA provides me the unique opportunity to be with a patient throughout the perioperative period by assessing the patient, describing the planned anesthetic, and then remaining with them to keep them safe and comfortable throughout the procedure.

Q: What do you find most compelling about your role as a CRNA?

A: I particularly enjoy performing labor and delivery anesthesia. A laboring patient presents unique anesthesia concerns and challenges at any hour of the day. I try to be efficient in my interviews, preparation, and conduction of my epidurals. It is a tricky bit of balancing speed and efficiency in between painful contractions. It is a wonderful privilege to participate in this area of healthcare.

Q: What drew you to UP Health System – Portage?

A: In 2004, I had just returned from an Army deployment to Iraq and was living in metro Washington, DC, with my young family. I had spent nearly 11 years on active duty but was ready to set down some roots. I am originally from the Upper Peninsula and regularly visited my grandparents in Pelkie as a young boy, so I knew the area. I came up for a site visit and was impressed with the modern structure and the affable staff working at Portage. I was keenly aware of employees who were talkative, smiling, adventurous, and caring for both their patients and their community. UPHS – Portage has such a legacy in the region and the operating room staff made me feel very welcome. It has been a good fit for me both professionally and for my family.

Whether you require inpatient or outpatient surgical services, our experienced staff at UPHS – Portage can provide high-quality care with innovative technology.  Learn more about the vast array of surgical services available at UPHS – Portage.