How these health systems are prioritizing physician well-being

Reducing physician burnout is essential to high-quality patient care and a sustainable health system. Given their scope of services, organizational complexity and volume of care, health systems are uniquely positioned to address physician burnout and improve well-being. By addressing physician burnout, health systems can become incubators for leading-edge solutions to potentially share and scale.

The AMA Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program honors organizations that, through exceptional work in reducing physician burnout and enhancing well-being, serve as beacons of hope for the medical community.

Find stories here about how health systems are driving solutions to reducing physician burnout and reclaiming physician fulfillment in caring for patients.

A key area for health systems and organizations is the demonstration of commitment to monitoring physician burnout using an assessment tool.

The Southeast Permanente Medical Group

Identifying the “pebbles” that contribute to physician burnout

Marshfield Clinic

Marshfield Clinic tackles burnout by first helping the individual

BAPTIST HEALTH

A rise in burnout led this health system to shift well-being focus

HATTIESBURG CLINIC

Hattiesburg Clinic embraces data to build on well-being success

An organizational commitment to workforce well-being is essential to preventing physician burnout. While commitment may include different strategies over time, this is largely focused on well-being committees, establishing a chief wellness officer position and developing well-being as part of an organization’s strategic plan. 

Sutter Health

Only 2% physician turnover at Sutter Health. Here is why.

WASHINGTON PERMANENTE

Q&A: Fight burnout by seeing each decision through well-being lens

NORTHWEST PERMANENTE

Q&A: Establishing a culture where physicians can feel whole again

BAYHEALTH

This health system says calling physicians “providers” is not OK

Beyond assessing physician burnout, organizations should also demonstrate a commitment to measuring time spent in the EHR after work hours.

Hattiesburg Clinic

Hattiesburg Clinic doctors say ambient AI lowers stress, burnout

THE PERMANENTE MEDICAL GROUP

How the biggest medical group in the U.S. is tackling burnout

ONCARE ALLIANCE

Oncology practice network meets patient needs—and saves money too

ATLANTIC HEALTH

Why the end could be near for prior-authorization faxes

Health care organizations should also demonstrate investment in promoting leadership development. This includes implementing a leader listening campaign and assessing leadership skills for all front-line physicians.

Atlantic Health System

How to integrate a systemwide well-being strategy

OCHSNER HEALTH

In burnout battle, it’s on leaders to show how teamwork matters

SANFORD HEALTH

How Sanford Health keeps pressing on to prevent doctor burnout

BAPTIST HEALTH

When doctors take on leadership roles, the right coaching can help

Beyond just ensuring team members “get along,” organizations should consider a wide range of factors such as team structures, role functions and workflows that enhance the ability for teams to work together more seamlessly. 

NORTHWEST PERMANENTE

Tackling health care challenges through “servant” leadership

CONFLUENCE HEALTH

To ease physician burnout, boost staff training

OCHSNER HEALTH

From pharmacy to IT, Ochsner Health uses teamwork to beat burnout

ATLANTIC HEALTH AND BAPTIST HEALTH

Why these 2 health systems are among nation’s top workplaces

While this has largely been designed around peer support and other programs, a new piece concerns credentialing. This includes changing invasive or stigmatizing language around mental health and substance use disorders in an organization’s credentialing applications and process. 

Geisinger Health System

How Geisinger gives doctors the tools to support each other

Sanford Health

In tackling physician burnout, don’t be afraid to use the “TWord”

HENRY FORD HEALTH

3-step process helps Henry Ford Health boost physician well-being

KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente notches perfect score on disability inclusion

“AMA Update” covers a range of health care topics affecting the lives of physicians, residents, medical students and patients. From private practice and health system leaders to scientists and public health officials, hear from the experts in medicine on burnout, medical education, advocacy issues, vaccines and more.

Sutter Health

Sutter Health on effective health care recruitment, physician retention & adding new residency spots

Marshfield Clinic

Helping patients in your hometown and improving rural health care with Marshfield Clinic interim CEO

Ochsner Health

Building and maintaining a successful physician well-being program with Nigel Girgrah, MD, PhD

Hattiesburg Clinic

How improving physician onboarding can help satisfaction and well-being with Rebecca Lauderdale, MD

The AMA Health System Program partners with your leadership to tailor solutions to allow you to maximize support for your physicians and care teams.

Learn more with the AMA Health System Program about how to:

• Improve physician well-being.
• Amplify the voices of your physicians.
• Effectively measure and benchmark burnout levels.
• Take action with tailored workshops and coaching sessions.
• Accurately evaluate progress.

Also, learn more about the AMA’s organizational well-being assessment (PDF) work or email the AMA practice transformation team for more information.