Trinity HCAD Team Wins 2026 Cleveland Clinic Case Competition

A team of students from Trinity University's Health Care Administration (HCAD) graduate program earned first place at the 2026 Cleveland Clinic Case Competition, outperforming teams from 35 universities across the country.

Six Trinity teams entered the competition, three of which were selected to advance and present in person. Of those finalists, one Trinity team ultimately claimed the national title, an achievement that underscores the strength of the University's HCAD program.

Joy Areola '25, M'27, Natalie Lane, M'27, Mackenzie Logan '24, M'27, and Luke Phillips, M'27 made up the winning team.

"This experience challenged us to think critically about the future of healthcare and develop innovative solutions to complex problems," said Lane.

The Cleveland Clinic Case Competition gives graduate students in health care administration the opportunity to apply their coursework to a real-world challenge. In early February, the teams are tasked with developing strategic recommendations for leaders at one of the most respected health systems in the country and the world. After receiving the case, participants had a weekend to prepare their initial proposals for review by Cleveland Clinic administrators and caregivers.

"The Cleveland Clinic Case Competition draws elite programs from across the country," said Patrick Shay, Ph.D., associate professor of HCAD. "This year included 51 teams representing 35 leading programs, such as Cornell University, Ohio State University, the University of Florida, the University of North Carolina, and Rutgers University."

The 2026 case focused on artificial intelligence and digital health, challenging teams to propose solutions that enhance both the patient experience and the effectiveness of providers and care teams. After 12 quarterfinalists were selected, those teams had three weeks to refine their ideas into formal presentations for judges in Cleveland in early March.

Trinity's strong showing extended beyond its winning team. Three Trinity teams advanced to the quarterfinal round, and two reached the semifinals, a showing that "speaks volumes about the quality of our students and the strength of the program," said Todd Thomas, M.D., a professor of practice in Trinity's HCAD program.

Trinity teams also placed second in 2017 and third in 2020.

In preparation for the final round, Trinity supported its teams by connecting them with alumni and local health care leaders. These mentors helped students refine their presentations, anticipate questions, and strengthen their communication.

"It was a big deal to present to these executives," said Areola, who earned her undergraduate degree from Trinity in HR management with a minor in finance. "It was encouraging to be taken seriously by leaders in the field, especially as relatively new graduate students."

Faculty say the experience is a key part of the program's hands-on approach to learning.

"We believe it's important for our residential cohort to go through this process," Shay said. "Students are challenged to respond to a complex problem, develop a solution under time pressure, and present it at a high professional level."

"We had the opportunity to attend a networking event where we met local executives as well as members of their international relations management team from places like London, Canada, and Abu Dhabi, which was really cool," said Logan, a Trinity alumna who majored in accounting and was an All-American volleyball student-athlete.