UP Health System - Portage

After putting off surgery for years, Barb Helminen was finally able to get her total knee replacement at UP Health System – Portage with Orthopedic Surgeon and Total Joint Specialist Andre Oulai, MD. The surgery went smoothly, and a few months into recovery, her pain is resolved and she’s back to being active and doing the things she loves. “They made sure I was comfortable the entire time,” said Barb, a Houghton resident. “I was not in any pain. They could not have improved my care in any way, shape or form. It was perfect and I was so happy with it.” Read Barb’s full story below. #UPHSPortage #Orthopedics #TotalKneeReplacement #PatientTestimonial

If you attended our Meet the Robot earlier this month, you probably got to meet Evon Schexnaydre, MD, and Tim Sears, MD. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our facility and are excited to offer robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci to their list of services available. If you didn’t get the chance to meet them, we’d love the opportunity to introduce you! Dr. Schexnaydre is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center and UP Health System – Portage, where she delivers babies and helps women treat conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, prolapse, chronic pelvic pain and other gynecology conditions through surgical intervention. Dr. Schexnaydre is our first surgeon operating the robotic system, performing procedures including hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of fallopian tubes/ovaries), among others. She is a strong advocate for robotics and believes it to be a great option for patients who are eligible — she's excited this is now available to women in the Copper Country. Dr. Sears is a board-certified surgeon specializing in the area of general surgery. He has a longstanding career with UPHS – Portage, having joined the team in 2001. With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Sears is known in the community for his expertise, clear communication and kind bedside manner. Dr. Sears is near completing his training with the da Vinci robot at UPHS – Portage and is scheduling patients for general surgery procedures including hernia repair, gallbladder removal and appendectomy. Since robotic surgery utilizes smaller incisions and few surgical movements, many patients report less postoperative pain, quicker recovery, shorter hospital stays and less complications — all benefits Dr. Sears is excited to pass on to his patients. We are so proud to have them on our team! To learn more about our providers or robotic surgery, visit UPHealthSystem.com.

We are currently seeking a polysomnographer/sleep technologist assistant. In this role, you will have a significant impact on the patients and staff that you interact with on a daily basis. Responsibilities include administrative support and providing high quality, professional and compassionate care for patients undergoing sleep studies and sleep disorder treatment. The ideal candidate will be an organized and energetic team player. We’d love to welcome you to the UPHS – Portage team! To learn more and to apply: https://lnkd.in/e95q3A3S. #Careers #Healthcare #UPHSPortage

UP Health System – Portage is pleased to welcome Hospitalist Valerie Taglione, MD, to its medical staff. Board-certified in family medicine and specializing in hospital medicine, Dr. Taglione will manage the care of ill, injured and recovering patients throughout their hospital stay. A Houghton native, Dr. Taglione is excited to be back and caring for her hometown community. “Being from the area, the UP is not only home to me, but a place where I have been called to serve,” she said. “After practicing in Marquette for two years, I wanted to be closer to home and family.” Learn more about Dr. Taglione: https://lnkd.in/gq-EHrRX #Welcome #Hospitalist #UPHSPortage

Thank you to UPHS - Portage Hematologist and Oncologist Charles Goodwin, MD, for sharing his knowledge with our community and TV6 & Fox UP of the importance of yearly mammography screenings and the contributing risk factors we all should pay attention to during #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth.    Did you know the recommended age for a first mammogram has been lowered? Most women should now start at age 40. Regular, annual screenings are essential for early detection of breast cancer and can save lives. Let's prioritize our health and take our free breast health assessment at https://lnkd.in/gR5t8Xqk. Watch Dr. Goodwin's full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gzMBKWQx #CancerCare #3DMammography #ChooseWell #UPHSPortage

It's Healthcare Food Service Week, and we'd like to extend our appreciation to our Food Service team members who provide our staff, patients and visitors with delicious, nutritious and high-quality food offerings every day. We're thankful for your necessary service to our facility—we couldn't do this without you! #FoodService #Cafe #UPHSPortage

It’s #CertifiedNurseMidwifeWeek and we’re excited to celebrate midwife Ashley Chamberlain! Midwives like Ashley provide holistic, patient-centered care throughout pregnancy, labor and postpartum. They empower women by offering personalized support, education and advocacy, ensuring that every mother feels safe and heard during this transformative journey. Ashley plays a vital role in supporting women in our community as they bring new life into the world at UP Health System - Portage. From routine check-ups to delivering babies and providing postpartum care, her dedication and compassion make a real difference in the lives of the families she serves. Thank you, Ashley, for being an invaluable part of our team! #ThankYou #BirthingCare #HereforYou

It's time to get your annual #FluShot! We've rounded up a few ways to get vaccinated in our community, starting today with the first Community Flu Shot Clinic at the Michigan Technological University Rozsa Center (4-6 pm). #GetVaccinated #StaySafe #MakingCommunitiesHealthier

Nearly 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women face a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives — a statistic that shows the importance of having cancer care close to home. Beyond the numbers, each personal diagnosis holds a unique story, filled with uncertainty, hope and resilience. The care you receive during and after diagnosis is critical, and we’re proud to have a strong, compassionate team at UP Health System – Portage, dedicated to helping you and your family through each phase of treatment and recovery. Charles Goodwin, MD, PhD, is board-certified in medical oncology and hematology, leading cancer and blood disorder treatment for patients at UP Health System – Portage. The comprehensive treatment available for cancer right here in Hancock makes a world of difference in our patients’ lives, reducing the need for travel and additional strain, both physically and financially. Dr. Goodwin is passionate and known for his kindness and expertise in the field, making him a trusted provider in our community and a valued member of our healthcare team. We invite you to recognize Dr. Goodwin and his contributions to making communities healthier and, if you’re interested, we have an opportunity for you to meet him in person later this month. Join us for a Breast Cancer Awareness Dinner Presentation at 6 pm on Wednesday, October 23 at the Bonfire. The event is free, but space is limited. You can register here: https://lnkd.in/gCkgh2P5 #CancerCare #UPHSPortage #MeetourTeam

It's National #PhysicianAssistantWeek, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of PAs in healthcare. They play a vital role in patient care across various settings in our hospital. Whether they're conducting thorough patient assessments in the ER, assisting in surgeries, managing chronic conditions in our clinics/hospital stays, or providing vital education and support to patients and families, their expertise is essential.    Thank you to our PAs at UP Health System - Portage for their dedication and tireless efforts. You make a difference every day in the lives of our patients and our community! #ThankYou #PAWeek #QualityCare