Michael E. McKenna, M.D.
Michael E. McKenna, M.D., was a foundational physician executive at McLaren Health Care, serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. He provided unmatched leadership to McLaren’s progress in quality, patient safety, harm avoidance, and patient satisfaction.
Mike followed in his father’s footsteps to become a physician after being chief resident at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine and attending Marquette University. He spent many years as an accomplished Gastroenterologist at Midwest Digestive Disease Specialists, where he treated his patients with both excellence and empathy. He grew his career in medical administration as Chief Medical Officer at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL, and Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. In 2013, at a time when many physicians begin to contemplate retirement, Dr. McKenna believed he had more to give to the medical profession and joined McLaren Health Care as the system’s first Chief Medical Officer.
During Dr. McKenna’s tenure at McLaren, he brought national recognition to the system through year-over-year improvement in clinical outcomes and expanded access to high-quality care throughout McLaren’s three-state service area. Dr. McKenna served as a mentor to hundreds of physicians, nurses, and health care professionals. As a leader in health care quality, health systems from around the country reached out to Mike for guidance, and he earned the respect and admiration of professional colleagues nationally.
Anyone who knew him was quick to note his dedication to the advancement of medicine, but he truly was a man who was happiest around his family, of whom he was immeasurably proud. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He would relish every minute he spent with his family during gatherings at their lake cottage in Michigan. His seven grandchildren provided him with his greatest joy.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his family during this difficult time. We will miss Mike deeply.
McLaren Health Care Corporation
Visitation is scheduled Sunday, May 15th, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sullivan Funeral Home, 60 South Grant St. Hinsdale, IL. A Funeral Mass for family and friends will be held Monday, May 16th at the Notre Dame Catholic Church, 64 Norfolk Ave. Clarendon Hills, IL at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Michael’s honor may be made to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.