Northwest Health – Porter Names New CEO
Northwest Health – Porter has made a significant announcement with the appointment of Dan Doherty as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 27. This move reflects the hospital’s commitment to strong leadership in delivering outstanding patient care and driving strategic growth initiatives.
Dan Doherty brings nearly two decades of experience in healthcare leadership from various systems across Chicago and Wisconsin. Most recently, he served as the President and CEO of Ascension Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Chicago. His extensive background positions him well to oversee daily operations at Northwest Health – Porter, ensuring that the hospital continues to provide high-quality care.
With Doherty stepping into his new role, former CEO Dr. Thomas Rohs will return to his responsibilities as Chief Medical Officer, a position that allows him to focus on clinical excellence and medical practices within the organization.
New Sleep Medicine Specialist Joins Franciscan Health
In another healthcare development, Dr. Jin Young Hwang has joined the Franciscan Physician Network and is now accepting new patients in Michigan City. Hwang is an accomplished professional with an impressive educational background, having earned her medical degree from Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea. She completed her internal medicine residency at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago and specialized further with a fellowship in sleep medicine at the University of Chicago.
Patients can now schedule appointments with Dr. Hwang at the Coolspring Health Center located at 1225 E. Coolspring Ave., Suite 2E in Michigan City. For inquiries or to make an appointment, residents can call 219-878-5014.
Business and Economic Outlook Conference Scheduled
Looking ahead, a free Business and Economic Outlook conference is set for October 31, featuring a panel of regional business and economic experts. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at Ivy Tech Community College, located at 3100 Ivy Tech Drive, Valparaiso. This is a great opportunity for community members and business professionals to gather insights on industry trends expected for 2026.
Notable presenters will include Sherri Ziller from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, Emily W. Easton from the Chicago Quantum Exchange, and several others from various organizations. The event is free for members of the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable. Interested participants can register at NWIBRT.org.
Free Baby Shower Hosted by Franciscan Health Michigan City
Franciscan Health Michigan City is hosting a free “Way to Grow” baby shower aimed at supporting expectant families and new parents. Scheduled for October 25 from 10 a.m. to noon, the event will take place in the Maria Theresia Conference Room at Franciscan Health Michigan City, located at 3500 Franciscan Way.
Participants can expect valuable information on car seat safety, prenatal care, safe sleep practices, and community resources, alongside tours of the Family Birth Center and a breakfast buffet. Pre-registration is required, and interested families should call 1-800-931-3322 to secure their spot.
Purdue University Northwest Achieves Recognition
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 annual Best Colleges rankings. The institution has earned its place as a top public regional university, ranking 37th among its Midwest peers. Additionally, PNW’s undergraduate engineering programs have made the list of America’s top 50, ranked at 46.
Notably, the institution’s bachelor of science in nursing program has improved its standing this year, now ranked 74th among similar programs. Other recognized programs at PNW include Computer Science, Psychology, and Business, showcasing the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.
Child Support Payment Centers Established in Lake County
In an effort to streamline child support payments, Lake County Clerk Michael A. Brown has announced the opening of two cash payment centers. Residents can now pay their child support in person at the Clerk’s office in Gary or the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point. This initiative aims to provide easier access for residents needing to fulfill their obligations.
For more information on this initiative, residents can visit lakecountyin.gov or contact the Clerk’s office at 219-755-3000, option 5.
Methodist Hospitals Honored in U.S. News Rankings
Methodist Hospitals has gained recognition in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals edition. It earned the designation of a High Performing hospital for various conditions, including COPD, diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, and stroke.
This recognition helps patients and their healthcare providers make informed decisions about where to seek care for complex medical issues. U.S. News evaluated over 4,400 hospitals across numerous specialties, with only one-third receiving honors, underscoring Methodist Hospitals’ commitment to high-quality care.
New Outdoor Walking Program Launching Soon
In a community-focused initiative, Franciscan Health is teaming up with the Lake County Health Department to offer a free four-week outdoor walking program called “Path to Wellness.” Scheduled to take place from October 27 through November 21, this program aims to promote physical activity and well-being among participants.
Walks will occur on Mondays and Fridays from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Lake County Health Department. Participants can register starting at 9:45 a.m. Each session will be subject to weather conditions, with cancellations likely during inclement weather.
For further details, individuals can reach out to Stacy Zembala from Franciscan Health at 219-226-3889 or contact Michelle Arnold from the Lake County Health Department at 219-755-3655.
Networking Opportunity at Lunch & Learn Event
Great Lakes Communications is sponsoring a Lunch & Learn event on October 23 at the Crossroads Chamber in Merrillville. This event aims to bring together small business owners, professionals, and community members for networking and education.
The program will include opportunities for mingling, lunch, music, and an interactive learning session, catering to those interested in expanding their professional networks. Registration for this enriching experience is available at the provided online link.
With these various developments in the healthcare and business sectors, the Northwest Indiana community is seeing a proactive approach toward enhancing services and fostering growth.
Originally Published: October 19, 2025 at 2:39 PM CDT