Media Recap: Michigan Healthcare Careers, Digital Health Trends

Laura Appel

Laura AppelThe MHA received media coverage the week of Sept. 16 regarding Michigan healthcare careers and what’s next for digital health.

Second Wave Michigan published a story Sept. 17 on healthcare careers and the existing healthcare workforce shortage. The story includes quotes from Laura Appel, executive vice president and government relations and public policy, MHA, about how shortages impact hospitals, the impact of state funding and the results of the MHA’s annual hospital workforce survey.

“We’re bouncing back. We’re on the rebound for sure,” said Appel. “But it’s going to require a lot of work and staying on top of things. It’s not a one-and-done situation where you work at it for one year and then it will all be fixed. Workforce shortage is a long-term situation, and it’s going to require long-term commitment.”

The story is part of the Yours, Mine, and Ours — Public Health series from Second Wave Media that highlights how Michigan’s public health agencies keep individuals healthy, safe and informed about issues impacting physical and mental health in communities, homes, workplaces and schools.

Becker’s Hospital Review published a story Sept. 20 featuring insight from hospital and health system executives across the U.S. on the future of new technology in healthcare.

“Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) present many opportunities to improve the delivery of healthcare and reduce administrative burden,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “Our association created a member-wide task force to develop a framework for Michigan hospitals focused on the safe, ethical and equitable application of AI within healthcare. This framework includes clear guidance and model policies to help hospital policy makers manage the evolving impact of AI. While hospitals will vary in the implementation of AI and the resources they have available, this framework should help to ensure consistent application across the state so patients can continue to receive quality, accessible healthcare.”

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Appel Discusses Radiology Workforce Shortage

Laura Appel

Laura AppelWWMT-TV Newschannel 3 aired a story Sept. 9 on the radiology workforce shortage in hospitals, including a shortage of radiologists and radiology technicians.

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel was interviewed for the story, explaining how the shortage impacts hospital operations and what hospitals are doing to address workforce shortages.

“People that have a trauma, an emergency, an urgency, that is all going to be the first thing that hospitals are doing,” said Appel. “Finding someone to read those images and get those results.”

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.