When one of us is sidelined, the whole team feels the strain. A policy that protects a pregnant colleague or supports a new parent isn't just a benefit, it’s a retention strategy that keeps our 'Total Team' intact, experienced, and ready for the next shift.
The Total Team Challenge recognizes Emergency Departments that treat workforce retention as a mission-critical objective. By adopting evidence-based policies that support physicians through pregnancy, lactation, fertility journeys, and the return to work, these departments ensure that their most valuable asset — their people — can stay in the game for the long haul.
These aren't perks; they are looking for the Operational Blueprints that prove your department has its people’s backs.
The challenge is open to any Emergency Department (Academic, Community, or Private Group) that ratifies and implements any of the policies in the following "Core Team Stability" categories:
Winners will be selected by the FemInEM Board of Directors based on how effectively the policy integrates into daily operations and its potential to reduce attrition.
Winners in each category will receive FIGS (up to 100 items) for their department.
Winners will be announced October 1, 2026, via the FemInEM Substack and celebrated with featured "Total Team Leader" signage at the FemInEM ACEP 2026 booth.
To enter, departments must submit their application between August 15 and September 15, 2026.
Submissions must include:
The Blueprint: A copy of the signed / ratified departmental policy.
Proof of Practice: Evidence that the policy is "live" (e.g., photos of lactation pods, de-identified schedules showing protected blocks, or departmental memos).
The "Team Impact" Statement: A brief testimonial (max 500 words) from a physician who stayed in the department because of these supports, or a statement from leadership on how these policies have improved retention and team morale.