September 18, 2026

The President’s Message is published in the MHA Weekly News Report, a member-only publication of the Montana Hospital Association. To subscribe, click here.

As we head into fall, I want to share an important event that happens alongside our fall conference: Montana Clinical Connect, taking place Monday, October 5, 2026, from 5:00–6:30 PM at Rocky Vista University in Billings.

This statewide networking event brings together healthcare facilities with medical residents and health professions students from across Montana. It’s organized by the South Central and North Central AHECs—two workforce development programs housed within the Montana Health Research and Education Foundation (MHREF) at MHA.

Clinical Connect is just one of many strategies the AHECs use to build a stronger healthcare workforce pipeline for Montana hospitals and providers, and this year they’re trying something new: rather than bringing students to us, we’re going to them. Transportation to Rocky Vista University will be provided as part of the event.

I think this shift is worth highlighting. It’s a great opportunity to meet students on their own turf, and a chance for facility leaders to walk the halls of Rocky Vista University and see firsthand where so many of Montana’s future clinicians are training. That kind of context is hard to get any other way.

Workforce development has long been one of MHA’s core priorities. Montana continues to face real challenges in recruiting and retaining clinicians, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The AHECs aim to make a difference by starting to plant the seeds of a healthcare career (and prospective employers) early.

Montana Clinical Connect gives us a chance to do three things: put a face to our organization for the next generation of clinicians, talk honestly about the career opportunities and culture we offer, and start relationships now…before students and residents are fielding offers from out-of-state systems. It’s a low-pressure, high-value evening with appetizers and good conversation. It’s also the chance for a five-minute conversation with someone who could be your community’s next great caregiver.

Registration is open now, and it’s flexible: if you’re already attending the Montana Healthcare Conference, simply add Clinical Connect to your registration. If you only want to attend this event, select “Montana Clinical Connect only.”

I’d encourage every facility leader reading this to consider sending a representative, or better yet, go yourself. To register, click here.