December, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
As 2022 draws to a close and the holiday season gets into full swing, I’m taking the opportunity to update you on key developments at UM Shore Regional Health via this edition of PulseCheck.
Even with the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic since vaccines and boosters have become available, 2022 proved to be another challenging year for all of us in the health care community. Along with staff shortages in our Nursing and Patient Care Services and departments such as laboratory and imaging, provider shortages in primary care and certain specialty medical practices have required us to be creative as well as vigilant in developing more efficient processes for scheduling, recruitment and retention at all staffing levels. I am encouraged that with the engagement of University of Maryland Medical System leadership, we are making progress in addressing these shortages.
Please know that I am deeply grateful to all of you who serve the medical care needs of your patients and their loved ones. Your ongoing commitment and collaboration in the advancement of health care in our diverse communities supports the overall quality of life throughout the 2,000-plus square mile, five-county region we serve.
I look forward to seeing you this Thursday at our annual holiday celebration, and if you are unable to attend, I wish you the happiest of holidays and most peaceful New Year.
Cordially,
William E. Huffner, MD, MBA, FACEP, FACHE
Chief Medical Officer
Senior Vice President/Medical Affairs
UM Shore Regional Health