At York, Pa.-based WellSpan Health, career growth is a priority — both for team members and for the health system’s long-term success. It is a lesson President and CEO Roxanna Gapstur, PhD, RN, carries forward from past challenges that continue to shape WellSpan’s path.
“My curiosity drives me to see challenges as opportunities,” Dr. Gapstur told Becker’s.
The COVID pandemic underscored the importance of adapting quickly, highlighting the need to invest in people and professional development, she added.
“Leadership development and team member engagement are crucial to WellSpan’s workforce strategy,” she said. “I am deeply committed to empowering our teams and fostering a supportive environment.”
To support that strategy, the nine-hospital system has committed $10 million to career pathways, tuition benefits and other career-building programs. Employee engagement surveys with its more than 23,000 team members have further guided investments in workplace flexibility and healthcare affordability.
As part of its ongoing investment in workforce and culture, WellSpan also launched the Bob Batory Leadership Academy, which provides formal training to emerging leaders across the system.
The system also offers competitive compensation, including $60 million in pay increases in 2025.
“Our team’s experience is an essential strategic pillar for WellSpan,” Dr. Gapstur said. “We invest significantly in safety and security, including $20 million to $30 million annually, with a 57% decrease in serious workplace violence injuries.”
These workforce initiatives are grounded in the system’s 2025 strategic plan, developed just before the pandemic.
“A key pillar of the plan was innovation and leveraging our value of ‘Find a Better Way,'” she said. “As a result, we looked for opportunities to be strategic while also managing the operational challenges of those years.”
Technology and partnerships have played a key role in achieving that vision. Deploying artificial intelligence in radiology, ambient listening tools and virtual nursing have reduced administrative burdens and provider burnout.
The health system has also seen improvements in patient care and experience. For example, virtual nursing technology has helped reduce patient falls by 23% and saved nurses two hours per shift, enabling floor nurses to focus more on in-person care and care access.
Other efforts have enhanced patient access and affordability. Drone delivery helps transport prescriptions and medical supplies quickly and sustainably, and a co-developed SaveRX Card has delivered $1.7 million in prescription savings for patients and team members. Language-inclusive technology tools have also contributed to a 200% increase in engagement among Spanish-speaking patients.
“These efforts ensure WellSpan remains a destination employer, fostering a motivated and committed workforce focused on delivering exceptional care,” Dr. Gapstur said. “Every day, I am inspired by the dedication and passion of our team members as we work together to achieve our mission and make a difference in the lives of those we care for.”
