The challenge of maintaining workforce stability in an ever-changing environment is something healthcare leaders are all too familiar with. However, innovative leaders are breaking through barriers and finding effective solutions to build sustainable service lines. During the 12th Annual Becker's CEO + CFO Roundtable, Medicus hosted a panel discussion with four prominent healthcare leaders titled Cracking the Code: Solutions for Clinical Workforce Stabilization.

The panel featured:

  • Mason Van Houweling: Chief Executive Officer at The University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC)
  • Dr. Mohammed Minhaj: Chair of Anesthesia at Endeavor Health
  • Chuck Sherwin: President at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland
  • Chad Tuttle: Senior Vice President, Clinical Shared Services at Corewell Health

During the discussion, panelists shared valuable insights into the strategies they implemented to overcome workforce shortages and create sustainable staffing models.

Four Key Takeaways Include:

1.) The Importance of Identifying Early Indicators of Workforce Instability

Recognizing and addressing the early signs of workforce instability is critical to preventing disruptions in patient care. Chad Tuttle shared how Corewell Health, in retrospect, identified weak signals of instability within its outsourced radiology group, such as rising dissatisfaction among providers and increased recruitment challenges.

"We started, in retrospect, to look and see things like, well, they were more frequently mandating extra shifts. Their providers were talking about not getting the PTO that they wanted. There were conversations about their inability to find locums and things that we wouldn't normally look at." -Chad Tuttle

By reflecting on these signs, Corewell recognized the importance of closely monitoring key metrics, such as workload trends and recruitment pipelines, to anticipate and address potential challenges more effectively going forward.

2.) Scalability is Key to Sustainable Staffing Models

Scalable staffing models—ones that incorporate a mix of provider roles—are essential for long-term success. Dr. Minhaj of Endeavor Health/NorthShore Hospitals tackled this challenge by transitioning from an outsourced physician-only anesthesia model to an employed anesthesia care team model, which included CRNAs.

"There's no scalability with just a physician-only model. If somebody calls in sick, you're basically closing a room. And it's not like anybody right now has extra people around until they pick up those absences." -Dr. Minhaj

This shift to an employed anesthesia care team model also allowed Dr. Minhaj and his team to invest in its workforce pipeline, building a system that not only meets current needs but ensures future stability.

3.) Bold Decisions Create Opportunities for Growth

Healthcare leaders face pivotal moments where strategic staffing decisions are necessary to drive change and create opportunities for growth. Mason Van Houweling shared how UMC navigated the transition of both its radiology and anesthesia programs, moving from outsourced to employed models. These changes allowed the organization to regain control and address critical gaps in care. 

"I always call Medicus our cavalry. And not only once, but twice, they've come over the hill and helped the University Medical Center. And we're far better off because of it. I think all my colleagues would tell you it was a blessing. Our ORs are busier than ever, we're on time, we're extending hours, we're doing weekends, and we're doing procedures that we have never done at UMC before." -Van Houweling

Van Houweling emphasized that successful transitions require breaking the process into manageable steps:

"Execution is the hardest thing in leadership. Start small, start simple, and then we can get to complex and comprehensive." -Van Houweling

4.) Interim Staffing Partnerships Can Drive Long-Term Success

Strategic interim staffing partnerships provide essential support during staffing transitions, even when outcomes are uncertain. Chuck Sherwin shared how MyMichigan Medical Center Midland partnered with Medicus to prepare for potential workforce challenges during critical contract negotiations with an outsourced group.

"Medicus was willing and understood that at any moment, I could call them and say, I don't need you anymore. That flexibility gave me the confidence to move forward." -Chuck Sherwin

Despite the uncertainty of whether the existing contract would be renewed, Medicus built a fully staffed team, ready to step in if negotiations fell through. When the contract ultimately ended, Medicus was prepared to provide seamless coverage.

"Medicus was able, really within about 60 days, to build out the whole anesthesia program and get us started on day one. We've done more cardiac surgery in the last month than we have in the last two years." -Chuck Sherwin

This approach ensured MyMichigan maintained continuity of care and operational stability, even in the face of uncertainty. Partnerships like these empower healthcare leaders to develop contingency plans, execute strategic workforce strategies, and achieve long-term success.

Actionable Insights for Healthcare Leaders:

The panelists provided key strategies for addressing workforce challenges:

  • Identify Weak Signals Early: Monitor warning signs like provider dissatisfaction and excessive workloads to prevent disruptions.
  • Leverage Interim Staffing: Use trusted interim healthcare staffing partnerships like the Medicus Transition Program to maintain continuity and lay the groundwork for long-term success.
  • Focus on Scalability: Adopt flexible workforce structures, such as care team models, to meet fluctuating demands.
  • Prioritize Clear Execution: Pair strategic clinical staffing decisions with clear communication, detailed planning, and strong leadership.
Looking Ahead

The insights shared during the panel underscore the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and proactive leadership in stabilizing healthcare workforces. Over the coming weeks, Medicus will publish a blog series diving deeper into these themes, offering healthcare leaders actionable strategies to build more sustainable staffing models for the future.