SUNA Spotlight: Phil Rupp

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When asked how he became involved in Urologic nursing, Phil Rupp, CUNP, laughs and says, “That’s a long story perhaps best related over a beer.”

But that’s not to say Phil doesn’t enjoy his profession – far from it.

Employed since 1994 in the University of Michigan’s Department of Urology doing general urology, Phil worked in a variety of roles from 1984-1994 that ranged from Neurology/Neurosurgery stepdown, Geriatric rehab, inpatient opthalmalological surgery and stepdown Cardiac inpatient.

Phil’s schooling had him all over Michigan. First, he graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BS in Psychology in 1978 and then from Saginaw Valley State University with a BS in Nursing in 1983. He then received his MS in Gerontological Nursing 15 years ago in Ann Arbor, his hometown.

Through it all, Phil has also found time to be a valuable contributing member to the Great Lakes chapter of SUNA.

“Susanne Quallich is a colleague and introduced me to SUNA,” said Phil. “I had no idea a national urology organization existed. Susanne opened a new vista for me. She has influenced me to become certified as a urology nurse practitioner. I have been a member of the Great Lakes SUNA chapter conference planning committee. I have also served as chapter secretary.”

And in return, what has SUNA been able to provide Phil?

“It’s opened vistas of educational opportunities, as well as provided a sense of community,” Phil added. “I really enjoy the national conferences.”

On a personal note, Phil is married with three daughters, all swimmers. His twins are two years younger than his oldest, who starts college next fall.

An inveterate long distance motorcyclist, Phil is currently re-assembling a 1987 BMW K100RT from a box of parts. Also in the stable are a 1973 BMW and a 2003 BMW set up for long distance touring.

“The girls love to ride long distance with me,” smiled Phil.

And Great Lakes SUNA is honored to have Phil go the distance for the chapter as well.