A 420-bed medical center in Palm Beach County, Florida, faced a significant challenge in its OB/GYN hospitalist services. As a level one trauma center with a complex patient mix, the facility relied heavily on collaboration among service lines. Yet, the OB/GYN department was understaffed, morale was low, and many community partners questioned whether the facility could sustain high-quality care. With only one physician on staff when new TeamHealth leadership entered, immediate action was critical.
Seeking change and stability, the medical center turned to TeamHealth. In less than a year, the service line not only became fully staffed but also transformed its culture, strengthened collaboration, and elevated care quality.
Leadership Sets the Tone
A crucial first step was appointing the right leader. Dr. Melanie Altizer, as facility medical director, took charge of the OB/GYN team with support from regional and national leadership and close collaboration with hospital executives. Her leadership style emphasized consistency, accountability, and growth, providing a clear vision while allowing staff to contribute ideas and solutions.
“Dr. Altizer cares deeply about the community and seeks ways to provide excellent care to patients who are medically underserved,” said a medical student. “She spends time considering the whole person and their circumstances when treating patients, and always finds opportunities to teach, even with a busy workload.”
Resetting Expectations and Enhancing Collaboration
To shift the culture, the team reset expectations around communication and collaboration. Physician leadership incorporated feedback from nursing staff and hospital leaders to elevate team dialogue and accountability. This collaborative approach extended beyond the OB/GYN department, fostering stronger partnerships with other service lines and hospital administration.
The effort wasn’t just about process; it was about creating a respectful climate where staff felt heard and valued. Positive reinforcement and acknowledgment of team successes became a cornerstone for sustaining morale and performance.
“We enjoy seamless collaboration and open communication with hospital and unit-level nursing leadership,” said Dr. Altizer. “This allows us to quickly identify and resolve challenges, and it’s invaluable to the success of our program.”
Rapid Recruitment and Staffing Success
One of the department’s most urgent challenges was recruitment. With only one incumbent physician, the OB/GYN hospitalist program needed to fill the roster quickly. Leveraging the TeamHealth recruitment team, leadership successfully staffed the program with 10 full-time physicians in less than a year—a notable achievement given post-pandemic workforce challenges and the high-acuity environment.
This staffing turnaround not only stabilized the program but also made the department a highly sought-after rotation for medical students, further reinforcing the facility’s reputation as a center of excellence.
Delivering Measurable Results
The collaborative effort of leadership and staff has led to measurable outcomes, including:
- Care that meets and exceeds national OB/GYN standards
- Full staffing of the OB/GYN Hospitalist Program, from 1 to 10 physicians in one year
- A highly desirable site for medical student rotations, attracting the next generation of clinicians
These results underscore how leadership, teamwork, and culture change can directly impact patient care, staff engagement, and facility performance.
Culture Drives Success
Transforming culture was central to this OB/GYN program’s success. By aligning with facility priorities and fostering collaboration among physicians, nurses, and hospital leadership, TeamHealth helped the medical center achieve rapid, sustainable improvements. This demonstrates that with the right leadership, strategic partnerships, and a focus on culture, meaningful change in healthcare delivery is possible.
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