In today’s competitive healthcare workforce landscape, hiring and retaining top talent is a growing challenge for providers across the county. While many are feeling the strain, MedStar Shah Medical Group and the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center (UM CRMC) are leveraging Charles County’s advantages to address evolving workforce needs, which include navigating hiring challenges and expanding their institutions.
Kelly Robertson-Slagle, Director of the Charles County Economic Development Department, shares, “The healthcare sector has undergone significant evolution in recent years. While our community benefits from a significant talent pool, external factors—such as growing care demands, a retiring Baby Boomer generation, and competition from other industries—have put pressure on the healthcare workforce.” She adds, “Charles County institutions are responding with strategic, forward-thinking initiatives to attract top talent and ensure long-term workforce retention and sa
A Growing Healthcare Industry
MedStar Shah Medical Group’s Waldorf Medical Center, which opened in September 2020, hired 180 professionals from Charles County's robust workforce of over 106,734 healthcare professionals. The center established general and first-in-the-region services, such as advanced cardiac imaging and electrophysiology, which improved healthcare access for the community’s over 167,000 residents while creating new opportunities for healthcare professionals in the region.
“Since opening, all of the Waldorf Medical Center departments have undergone significant growth,” said Dr. Amish Shah, Cardiologist with the MedStar Shah Medical Group and son of the group’s founder, Dr. Vinod K. Shah. “Our growth within Charles County has been so impressive that we added a new 30,000-square-foot facility just one year ago three miles south of the Waldorf facility: Primary Care at White Plains.”
“The growth has really been tremendous. We've added another 10 physician providers and also some new specialties, such as infectious disease care and the expansion of ear, nose, and throat care. We will have a pain management physician starting with us soon,” shares Dr. Amish Shah.
Despite this tremendous growth, the Waldorf Medical Center and other MedStar Shah Medical Group facilities face specific challenges when hiring niche skill sets. “Across the board, there are some degree of shortages in hiring, especially when it comes to the many specialized needs for a practice like ours,” said Dr. Amish Shah.
UM CRMC in La Plata faces similar hiring challenges. With an active workforce of 1,087 nurses, physicians, staff members, agency personnel, and community providers, the hospital is actively addressing significant shifts in workplace expectations to help retain its large talent pool and recruit necessary positions.
Creating a Work-Life Balance
Stacey Cook, UM CRMC’s VP for Human Resources, elaborates, “In general, people think more about what they want and don’t want in their workplace and are more vocal and committed to work-life balance. They want to learn more and be involved in things that give them a broad viewpoint of healthcare and community.”
This shift in priorities has led to rising trends among healthcare professionals in Charles County, including some local professionals choosing to work closer to home rather than commute.
“Many that used to travel to Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and beyond for work are now choosing to find opportunities closer to home,” shares Dr. Amish Shah. “Whether that’s due to high gas prices, long commute time, or other factors, working closer to home allows employees to spend more time and money on things they enjoy, rather than stuck on the road.”
“The current labor force really values more flexible hours,” he continues. “We've certainly realized that with our current employees as well and have adapted to more hybridized positions to suit their needs and the needs of our patients.”
The Waldorf Medical Center is striking a balance between hands-on patient care and offering employees the flexibility they desire. While staffing requirements vary by practice, the Medical Center continues to utilize shorter shifts, work-from-home, and virtual visit options for employees.
“Eye-to-eye contact in the exam room and one-on-one discussions don’t always lend themselves to a video visit, but it’s important to blend both types of care to suit our workforce and care for as many patients as possible,” explains Dr. Amish Shah.
Opportunities for Professional Growth
Building on the strategy of employee well-being, UM CRMC emphasizes continuing education, development, and advancement as a core attraction and retention strategy.
“The workforce in our hospital is committed, skilled, diverse, and engaged,” said Cook. “In addition to our comprehensive recruitment plan, rewards and recognition programs, and competitive compensation, we have expanded relationships with our education partners to highlight our institution as a primary training site for healthcare professionals, helping them to expand their skills and advance their careers.”
Meaningful Connections
While personal growth is important to current and future employees, the Waldorf Medical Center also finds that Charles County’s community provides their staff with opportunities for meaningful, connection-driven patient-provider model.
“We're not yet a large employer compared to some, but that allows our staff and physicians to maintain a personal touch, both with management and with patients,” said Dr. Amish Shah. “Our patient retention rates are very high. When you work here, you get to know people over the years, often treating multiple generations within a family. That deeper connection to the patient base can be incredibly rewarding for our team.”
“Charles County institutions are demonstrating that the future of healthcare is about more than just meeting demand; it’s about fostering an environment where both professionals and patients can thrive,” said Robertson-Slagle. “We are proud to have such valuable organizations in our community that continue to improve quality of life, offer viable careers to residents, and offer greater satisfaction for all in Charles County.”
Click here to learn more about Charles County’s growing Health Services industry and discover our capable workforce.
