Healthcare workforce shortages continue to challenge training programs and healthcare systems, with clinician attrition frequently occurring during predictable life transitions such as pregnancy, postpartum return, and early parenthood. Family medicine residents who become parents experience unique pressures related to identity, workload, emotional regulation, and systemic expectations, increasing vulnerability to disengagement and early departure from training or practice.

This session explores healthcare workforce retention through the lens of integrated behavioral health and whole-person care, drawing on clinical leadership experience supporting pregnant and postpartum residents within a family medicine residency program. Grounded in evidence from integrated care, burnout prevention, and professional identity development, the presentation highlights how transitions intersect with emotional health, values alignment, and system-level support.

Participants will be introduced to the C.A.L.M. Method, an evidence-informed, biopsychosocial-spiritual framework designed to support clinicians during periods of transition. The model emphasizes Clarifying professional identity and values, Acknowledging emotional and nervous system responses, Letting go of urgency and unhelpful narratives, and Moving forward with intention and support. Practical examples demonstrate how this framework can be applied within training environments and healthcare organizations to strengthen clinician well-being, reinforce professional identity, and reduce preventable attrition.

Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for supporting healthcare professionals through major life transitions, with implications for residency programs, integrated care teams, and healthcare systems seeking sustainable workforce retention solutions.

Identify key workforce retention risks associated with pregnancy, postpartum return, and other major life transitions among healthcare trainees and early-career clinicians.

Describe how a biopsychosocial-spiritual, integrated behavioral health approach supports professional identity, emotional regulation, and well-being during high-risk transition periods.

Apply components of the C.A.L.M. Method (Clarify, Acknowledge, Let go, Move forward) to support clinician retention and resilience within training programs and healthcare organizations.