In the competitive landscape of modern healthcare, independent practices face a unique challenge: how do you attract and retain top clinical talent when competing with larger health systems? Beyond compensation, the answer increasingly lies in a genuine commitment to provider well-being.
This is the story of CVFP Medical Group, an independent primary care practice that didn't just acknowledge the rising tide of provider burnout, stress, and mental health challenges; they leveraged well-being as a strategic differentiator. Their journey, in partnership with VITAL WorkLife, offers powerful insights for any healthcare leader seeking to build a more resilient and engaged provider workforce.
The Challenge: Time-Taxed Providers & Fierce Competition
Like many practices, CVFP Medical Group recognized that their providers were feeling time-taxed and disconnected, burdened by evolving regulations, increasing administrative demands, and the sheer pace of patient care. In a highly competitive job market, retaining their valuable clinicians became paramount.
As Dr. Trudy Shahady, Chief Wellness Officer at CVFP Medical Group, powerfully states: "Retention is the new recruitment. We have to do everything we can to mitigate burnout factors, help providers find work/life balance, and allow them to practice at the top of their licensure.”
They needed a formal, confidential well-being solution that could effectively support their physicians and Advanced Practice Professionals (APPs) while addressing the pervasive stigma around seeking mental health support in healthcare.
The Solution: A Proactive Partnership for Comprehensive Well-Being
CVFP Medical Group found their answer in VITAL WorkLife's SafeHaven Clinician Well-Being Resources. Inspired by Virginia's SafeHaven legislation, which protects the confidentiality of mental health treatment for healthcare practitioners, CVFP became the first independent practice in Virginia to adopt the program — even amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
VITAL WorkLife provided a comprehensive external support system, including:
- Peer Coaching: Confidential, specialized guidance from certified, licensed medical professionals.
- Mental Health Support: Access to licensed behavioral health professionals for counseling.
- WorkLife Concierge Services: Assistance with personal and professional needs, from childcare to travel planning.
- Well-Being Index Assessments: Structured measurement to track provider well-being trends.
"When SafeHaven legislation was introduced, we knew we had to act. With it, we embraced VITAL WorkLife’s benefits immediately. It was exactly what we needed,” said Dr. Shahady.
The Impact: Measurable Results for a Healthier Practice
The implementation process was seamless, and the results speak for themselves:
- 4x Increase in Utilization: Program usage soared from 42% to an impressive 167% within just one year. This isn't just engagement; it's active utilization of critical resources.
- 83% WorkLife Concierge Engagement: This service proved to be a popular, low-barrier entry point, normalizing the use of support resources and often leading providers to explore other services like peer coaching and counseling.
- Enhanced Retention & Recruitment: Having structured well-being support has become a powerful differentiator, helping CVFP attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The Well-Being Index provides invaluable insights into provider stress and overall well-being, allowing for informed strategic planning.
Dr. Shahady notes the profound personal impact: "The real impact is in knowing that our team feels supported both personally and professionally." This support extends to her own role, where VITAL WorkLife acts as her "personal consultant," providing expertise and guidance.
Key Takeaways for Your Practice
CVFP Medical Group's success highlights the critical value of proactive engagement and strong leadership buy-in. By embedding well-being into their culture and making it part of everyday conversations, they've seen a significant increase in resource utilization.
As Dr. Shahady emphasizes: “Our focus must be not only on our providers, but also the patients we serve. By helping our team members stay focused on their well-being, we help them deliver better patient care.”
