McHenry County College hosts 5th annual health care industry forum

More than 100 local health care professionals, educators, and community partners recently gathered at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake for an industry forum.

The 5th annual event featured resource tables, college updates, and keynote speaker Dr. David Schreiner, focusing on values-based leadership, technological adaptation, and appreciative inquiry in health care.

“The Forum provides an exceptional opportunity to forge new community connections and strengthen existing relationships,” said Catherine Jones, associate vice president of Workforce Development at McHenry County College. “It was exciting to share the news of the health care program expansion that is underway at MCC with our industry partners.”

Schreiner, former CEO of Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital (now OSF St. Katherine), reflected on leadership during crisis, the need for genuine engagement, and a powerful call to reshape the future of health care.

“This work is hard,” Schreiner said. “Engagement is a muscle. You have to practice it. But when we do, we connect meaningfully, we inspire, and we lead.”

Event attendees also received a variety of updates from MCC President Dr. Clint Gabbard on the college’s expansion of health care programs. After the main presentation, these programs hosted advisory committees and welcomed new, interested members.

“The input from employers during the advisory breakout sessions was invaluable,” said Christina Coclanis-Loding, dean of mathematics, science, and health services at MCC. “The information gained here will be used to strengthen the learning experience for our students.”

To learn more about the various paths in health care offered at MCC, visit the Health Science and Healthcare section at www.mchenry.edu/path. For more on training for health care careers at MCC, visit www.mchenry.edu/hccareers.