Salem health forum highlights new focus on women in healthcare leadership

Salem College hosted a healthcare forum Thursday as part of its move to focus on developing future leaders.

The forum examined such issues as workforce development, equity in healthcare, and a look at the future of the health system.

Last year, Salem transitioned its curriculum to fit the needs of the local healthcare community.

Summer McGee is president of the college. She says the forum is a chance to establish what the college means by leadership in the field. 

“I think this is one of the first of many initiatives that we will launch to set us on a path to show that we will be distinctive in the nation as being a liberal arts college focused on making that next generation of health leaders,” she says.

Most of the speakers at the forum were women. The only exception was Gov. Roy Cooper. He says his mission is to make the state better educated, healthier, and more prosperous.

“It's hard to do all these things without being in good health,” he says. “So I look forward to Salem helping to mold careers for young women who are dedicated to making us healthier.”

About 300 people attended Cooper's speech.