Upper Peninsula Telehealth Network of Michigan

Susan Makela, BSN, MPA
Director of Telehealth
Marquette General Health System

Susan currently serves as the Director of Telehealth at Marquette General Health System. As the director of telehealth she oversees both the operations and administrative offices for telehealth and provides leadership to the entire Upper Peninsula Telehealth Network (UPTN). Susan's responsibilities include collaborating with partners and contractors with expansion opportunities for telehealth, resource on issues of reimbursement, policies/procedures, regulatory and legal issues related to clinical telemedicine applications within and outside of the UPTN. This requires the management and evaluation of all telehealth activities within the network ensuring that telehealth enhances the organizations mission, vision and philosophy of accessible quality healthcare.

Susan previously served as the Director of Clinical Telehealth and Director of the OAT (Office for the Advancement of Telehealth) grant. This federally funded grant provided the impetus for the development of clinical telemedicine applications within the Upper Peninsula Telehealth Network.

Susan holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration with a health care concentration from Northern Michigan University and a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree from Eastern Michigan University. Susan received her Associated degree in nursing from Washtenaw Community College in Ypsilanti Michigan and her Licensed Practical nursing degree from Gogebic Community College in Ironwood Michigan. Susan began employment at Marquette General Health System in 1993 as the nurse liaison for Home Health, then as the nurse manager for the Intermediate Care Unit from 1995-2001. In addition, Susan is an ACLS instructor, Development Dimensions International (DDI) facilitator, and teaches EKG interpretation classes. Susan is a member of both the American Telemedicine Association and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

Fax: 906.225.7696

Voice: 906.225.3218

E-Mail: smakela@mgh.org