Building What’s Next: Michigan Healthcare Workforce Summit Wrap-Up

Michigan Health Council welcomed healthcare, education, workforce, and community partners to the Michigan Healthcare Workforce Summit on October 27, 2026. Centered on "Building What’s Next,” the event brought participants together to share ideas, strengthen connections, and explore solutions to Michigan’s healthcare workforce challenges.

Keynote speaker Nick Beadle set the stage with a discussion of healthcare’s role in workforce development and opportunities to connect more people with healthcare careers. Throughout the day, sessions explored emerging roles such as Community Health Workers, Dental Therapists, and Community Integrated Paramedics. We also explored employer-led partnerships supporting career awareness and talent development.

Attendees also heard perspectives on workforce initiatives through the Michigan Rural Health Transformation Program. Don Lyons led a session on strengthening the Tribal healthcare workforce, highlighting culturally centered approaches to recruitment, education, training, and retention.

A heartfelt thank-you to our planning committee for their time, expertise, and collaboration in shaping this year’s Summit:

• Erica Leyko, Michigan Health and Hospital Association

• Kyra Burkeen, Michigan Center for Rural Health

• Laura Haynes, Michigan Home Care and Hospice Association

• Rachel Ruddock, Michigan Primary Care Association

• Isabelle Welsh, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Tribal Government Services and Policy

• Mary Calcatera, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Tribal Government Services and Policy

We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors, whose generous support made this gathering possible:

• Michigan Health & Hospital Association

• Michigan Center for Rural Health

• Michigan Home Care and Hospice Association

• Detroit Regional Chamber Foundation

• Michigan Association of Ambulance Services

• Delta Dental Foundation

• Joint Venture Hospital Laboratories (JVHL)

• Michigan Health Endowment Fund

Thank you to every speaker and attendee who contributed to the conversation and for their shared commitment to Michigan’s healthcare workforce. A special thank-you to our hardworking staff for their thoughtful planning and dedication to making the Summit a welcoming and meaningful experience.

For available presentation slides or questions about the Summit, please contact us.