Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Dr. Raj Chand, President at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
Jul 23, 2025
Dr. Raj Chand, President at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and an emergency medicine physician with over a decade in healthcare leadership, discusses psychological safety and workplace violence in the healthcare sector. He highlights initiatives like the 'Care Imperatives' and 'Care Peer Support Program' aimed at creating supportive environments. Dr. Chand reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff pressures and social polarization, and shares innovative strategies for fostering a culture of safety and effective de-escalation.
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Firsthand Workplace Violence Experience
- Dr. Raj Chand experienced workplace violence firsthand as a resident with a patient attacking a colleague.
- The incident was normalized at the time, lacking debrief or systemic change, illuminating early gaps in safety training.
Psychological Safety Is Foundational
- Psychological safety is foundational for both patient and team member safety in healthcare.
- A culture of openness without fear allows staff to speak up and better respond to workplace violence.
Healthcare’s Elevated Violence Risk
- Healthcare workers face about five times higher rates of workplace violence than other industries.
- Social polarization, pandemic pressures, and workforce constraints amplify workplace violence risks.
