In the final event in the 4-part “State of Healthcare in Maryland” Speaker Series, HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM) brought together an expert panel to discuss the future of our state’s healthcare workforce.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on healthcare professionals and essential, frontline workers. Critical staff shortages that began before the pandemic, along with the added stresses placed upon healthcare workers in the past 2 years, are serious issues that can ultimately impact access to care for Maryland’s communities. Across the state, 1 in 5 hospital positions are currently vacant. In this session, our expert panel of healthcare leaders discussed how the healthcare system is adapting and innovating to create and sustain a skilled, engaged, and diverse healthcare workforce.

The discussion comes at a critical time as the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory addressing healthcare worker burnout. The advisory provides recommendations for addressing the underlying causes and stressors leading to burnout, improving healthcare workers’ overall well-being, and strengthening the workforce.

The session’s panel includes Nicole Stallings, Chief External Affairs Officer – Maryland Hospital Association; Lisa Whaley, Chief Human Resources Officer – LifeBridge Health; and Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels, Associate Professor – Coppin State University, College of Health Professions with moderator, Traci Kodeck, CEO – HealthCare Access Maryland. The panel discussed a range of issues affecting Maryland’s health workforce, including burnout, workplace violence, disrupted services like childcare and transportation, and COVID-19’s effects on training new health workers. The experts additionally discuss the approaches and best practices for recruitment, retention, employee support services and benefits, and education of individuals entering the healthcare workforce.

The full discussion was recorded, and can be viewed here:

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The State of Healthcare in Maryland Speaker Series is generously supported by our partners. We thank them for supporting our work to create a healthier Maryland.

Series Sponsors

This is the final installment in a four-part Speaker Series. Learn more about the Series.