Researchers, health care leaders will share area, statewide trends at event

Area health care leaders and Grand Valley researchers will share trends during the 11th annual West Michigan Health Care Economic Forecast January 10 at the Eberhard Center on GVSU's Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

The event will run from 8-9:45 a.m., with a light breakfast at 7:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public, register online at gvsu.edu/vphealth/healthcheck. 

Sebastian Linde, assistant professor of economics, will detail the annual Health Check report, which analyzes health data and trends for Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan (KOMA) counties and compares data to statewide and national figures. 

Jean Nagelkerk, vice provost for health, said the Health Check report is used by health care leaders and decision makers when shaping policy and planning for health care workforce, services and delivery systems.

Following Linde's presentation, leaders from Grand Rapids area hospitals will discuss trends in health care. 

• Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health Medical Group and chief medical officer for Spectrum Health System

• Ron Grifka, chief medical officer for Metro Health University of Michigan Health

• Robert Gordon, director, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

• Kent Riddle, CEO of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

• Hyung Tai Kim, president of Mercy Health Saint Mary's

The event will be webcast, viewers can access the live feed at gvsu.edu/vphealth. Sponsors are Grand Valley's Office of the Vice Provost for Health, and the Seidman College of Business Alumni Association.