VCU Health has received national recognition for its initiatives supporting the mental health and well-being of its clinical workforce. As the organization emphasizes, prioritizing the care of healthcare providers is crucial not only for the providers themselves but also for high-quality patient care, workforce sustainability, and cultivating a culture of safety.
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Doctors face unique challenges that contribute to a higher risk of burnout compared to other workers in the U.S., including administrative burdens, staffing shortages, and stigma around mental health issues. VCU Health is dedicated to ensuring that its clinical staff have the necessary support and a conducive work environment.
Marlon Levy, M.D., MBA, CEO of VCU Health, stated, "When our clinicians thrive, VCU Health thrives." He shared his personal experiences with the stresses of providing high-quality care and highlighted the importance of supportive workplace culture for team well-being.
Scott Stringer, M.D., MS, FACS, president of MCV Physicians, expressed pride in the organization’s commitment to clinician well-being, acknowledging the complexities faced by today’s healthcare professionals. He emphasized the goal of mitigating burdens on clinicians to allow them to focus on patient care.
For the second consecutive year, VCU Health has been named a Wellbeing First Champion by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. This designation means that VCU Health’s licensing and credentialing processes do not include stigmatizing questions about mental health that deter healthcare workers from seeking necessary treatment. The foundation is named after Dr. Lorna Breen, a VCU School of Medicine alumna who tragically died by suicide in April 2020 while working in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, VCU Health received a bronze-level designation from the American Medical Association as a Joy in Medicine® organization for addressing the root causes of burnout among physicians. This recognition underscores the collaborative efforts between VCU Health and the VCU School of Medicine to enhance the work environment for healthcare providers.
Heather Masters, M.D., MSHA, chief medical officer for VCU Medical Center, remarked on the important role of removing barriers to mental health care for medical staff. Aimee Grover, M.D., senior associate dean at VCU School of Medicine, reiterated that supporting the well-being of healthcare providers directly influences the quality and accessibility of patient care.
VCU Health expresses gratitude for the compassion and dedication shown by its team members toward each other and the community.