One in seven new Meritus hires are returning team members

Rehires point to strong culture, competitive pay and meaningful work.

Meritus Health prides itself on being a mission-oriented workplace. That might be why roughly 15% of all hires in the past two fiscal years were rehires.

Team Member Services records show that more than 350 people who had been employed by Meritus in the past were hired again between 2024 and 2026.

The health system employs more than 4,400 people across inpatient, outpatient, mental health and medical education professions, making it the largest non-government employer in Western Maryland.

“We focus on our culture and our mission when it comes to recruitment,” said President and CEO Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H. “Our team members are the heart of our organization in our goal to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”

Angie McCleaf, a clinical manager with Surgical Services, had worked at the health system for 25 years before leaving. With additional degrees and experience, she returned to Meritus this year.

“I have always considered the processes, policies and care here as a ‘gold standard,’” McCleaf said. “Meritus has always stayed up to date. While much has changed, there are many things that remain consistent.”

The health system also has an $18 an hour minimum wage that is going to $20 an hour in 2027, said Jena Judd, PHR, SHRM-CP, director of Team Member Services. Plus Meritus offers flexible working hours, allowing employees to maintain a work-life balance, she said.

“The physical, social and psychological environment really made me come back,” said phlebotomist TaNesha Garner. “Everyone is eager and happy to help you if you need it. The pay is much better here at Meritus Health than in some places as well. Also, the friendly smiles and greetings throughout the whole company are very comforting.”

For some team members, it’s Meritus’ philosophy toward improving the health of the community that drew them back. Diana Mitzel, M.Ed., director of clinical education at the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine, had worked at the health system when it started its graduate medical education program, which trains physicians after medical school but before they enter the workforce.

“I chose to return to Meritus because I have seen firsthand that it is an organization that follows through on its commitments and invests wholeheartedly in its vision,” she said. “The opportunity to be part of its continued growth in medical education, from graduate medical education to the School of Osteopathic Medicine, was incredibly exciting.”

To learn more about career opportunities at Meritus Health, visit www.meritushealth.com/careers.