Q & A with Shannon Striebich, Trinity Health Michigan’s Chief Executive

In the fall of 2023, longtime health care executive Shannon Striebich was appointed president and CEO of the Trinity Health Michigan Market. While most patients will never meet Shannon during their treatment at a Trinity Health Michigan location, she has a significant influence on the quality of care they receive. In a recent interview, Shannon shared her personal story and offered a brief glimpse into her vision for the future of health care in Michigan.

Could you share some insights into the experiences that have shaped you?

I was born in Michigan into a working-class family. My mother emigrated to the U.S. from Poland with her parents and younger sister when she was just four years old. My dad was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War when he was a student at Wayne State University. After returning home, he followed in his father’s footsteps and started working at Ford Motor Company, where he spent his entire career. From a young age, my family taught me to work hard, remain close with family, the importance of faith, and to take care of people, which have been my guiding principles all my life.

What led you to health care, and what do you love most about it?

I was first introduced to health care administration during a residency at Mercy Hospital South Buffalo, where the strong community connection and the sisters’ emphasis on our greater purpose left a mark on me. When I interviewed for a position at Trinity Health Oakland – back then it was called St. Joseph Mercy Oakland – and passed the hospital chapel for the first time, it felt like I was coming home. If I had to pinpoint one thing I love most about Trinity Health, it’s the people. From our exceptional physicians to our devoted housekeeping team, everyone is driven by a common mission.

What are you most proud of during your time at Trinity Health Michigan?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our unity stood out the most, and I’m so proud to see us emerging stronger together. I’m also proud of our new regional service lines, where leaders in obstetrics, oncology, behavioral medicine, and neuroscience are collaborating and elevating the standard of care across our region. It has created an environment where we are learning and growing together, and the more we work together, the stronger we become as a health system.

I am also proud of the work being done to improve access to behavioral health services. For example, Trinity Health is building a joint venture hospital with UHS in West Michigan, and Trinity Health Grand Rapids has added a crisis stabilization unit. Outpatient mental health access is growing in Chelsea, and we have an incredible collaborative care model in many of our Trinity Health IHA Medical Group primary care offices. These advancements show a true commitment to serving a growing need in our communities.

What changes can the public expect from Trinity Health going forward?

Health care is in a transformative period, shifting from a focus on hospital-based care to easily accessible care, integrated, focused on prevention and health, and high quality. There’s no doubt this transition comes with challenges. At Trinity Health, we have an incredible opportunity to adopt a “one health system with many doors” approach across west and southeast Michigan. I’m excited about our work to improve patient engagement, like making it easier to schedule appointments online, and building closer partnerships with our employed and affiliated physicians.

As we evolve from a primarily inpatient model, there’s so much opportunity to expand our primary care and community resources. The strides we're making in virtual care are truly exciting. Our colleagues across the health system are working hard to improve care delivery for those we serve, and the future is promising.

What is it about Trinity Health you want people to know?

As a mother of four, I understand the complexities of health care and how it can seem both intimidating and overwhelming at times. At Trinity Health, it is our commitment to patients that we don’t just treat an illness – we care for all of you, in body, mind, and spirit. We are a patient-focused health system that listens, partners, and makes it easy for our patients and the communities we serve to access services and receive the care and support they need.