By Brita Allen

Caring for patients is rewarding and fulfilling, but it can also be physically and mentally tough. Supporting those who provide care is not only foundational to the mission at VCU Health; it also plays an imperative role in high-quality patient care, workforce sustainability, access to care and a culture of safety.

Doctors remain at higher risk for burnout relative to other U.S. workers, driven by administrative burden, staffing shortages and stigma around mental health.

VCU Health is proud to support the well-being and mental health of our clinical workforce, as they demonstrate unwavering dedication to delivering lifesaving care, conducting groundbreaking research and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. It is essential to ensure they have the support they need and an environment that encourages a positive and enriching professional experience.

“When our clinicians thrive, VCU Health thrives,” said Marlon Levy, M.D., MBA, CEO of VCU Health. “In my own career, I too have faced the stresses and trials that come with delivering high-quality care daily and the impact of meaningful support in the workplace. Team member well-being is an essential component of the culture at VCU Health. We are deeply committed to sustaining our team members in many ways. Without them, we cannot fulfill our mission.”

“We are pleased to be recognized for our organizational commitment to clinician well-being,” said Scott Stringer, M.D., MS, FACS, president of MCV Physicians. “We recognize that the increasing complexity of the healthcare landscape adds real burdens to our clinicians. Our goal as an organization is to address the causes of those burdens so that our clinicians can focus on the important work of caring for our patients, their families and the communities we serve.” 

In recognition of this support, VCU Health was recently highlighted for taking actions that ensure access to mental healthcare and address burnout for our team members 

• For the second year in a row, VCU Health was named a Wellbeing First Champion by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. This means that licensing and credentialing applications at VCU Health are free from intrusive, stigmatizing mental health questions, which have proven to be barriers to seeking mental health care or treatment for healthcare workers. Breen, who graduated from the VCU School of Medicine in 1999, was a physician in New York City during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her fear of seeking mental health care led to her death by suicide in April 2020.  

• VCU Health earned a bronze-level recognition from the American Medical Association as a Joy in Medicine® organization. These organizations meet rigorous criteria to create a health system that addresses the root causes of burnout among physicians. This collaborative effort by VCU Health and VCU School of Medicine reflects a commitment to listening to our providers, learning from their experiences and continuously improving the environment in which they care for patients. 

“So often, designations recognize our exceptional care for patients, but we are thrilled to also be recognized for how we care for our credentialed medical staff,” said Heather Masters, M.D., MSHA, chief medical officer for VCU Medical Center. “Removing the barrier to mental health care is important to ensure that they are able and encouraged to access support when and how they need it.” 

“Supporting the well--being and professional fulfillment of our physicians and advanced practice providers directly influences the quality, safety and accessibility of the care we deliver every day,” said Aimee Grover, M.D., senior associate dean of VCU School of Medicine’s Office of Faculty Affairs and Development. “We are grateful to the clinicians who shared their experiences and helped guide this work, and we are proud of the progress this recognition represents. 

VCU Health appreciates the dedication and compassion our team members show for each other, their patients and the community.  

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