Two Sutter-aligned physician organizations, Sutter Independent Physicians and Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group have earned recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as 2023 Joy in Medicine™ organizations. The AMA grants this prestigious distinction only to organizations that attest to the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program and demonstrate a commitment to preserving the well-being of clinical care team members through proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.
“We are committed to doing the work as an organization to address the root causes of burnout, improve well-being, and bring back the joy in medicine for our clinicians,” said Dr. Lauren Weger, vice president of people and culture, Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group. “We know the challenges our health care teams face, and we choose to be part of the solution. We are part of a deeply purposeful profession and are privileged to have a special bond with our patients and their families. The meaning we feel in our work, the true joy in medicine, must be protected.”
SIP and PAFMG each have formalized well-being committees and a peer support programs to assist colleagues. The multi-specialty medical groups have also taken time to understand what sources of support best foster teamwork and camaraderie within their organization, while helping clinicians work smarter, not harder.
“There is a growing body of knowledge about what organizations need to achieve and sustain professional fulfillment,” says Dr. Laurie Gregg, chief wellness officer for Sutter Independent Physicians. “We are dedicated to ensuring the conditions for joy, purpose and meaning are present for our physicians and care teams. I am fortunate to be part of a medical group that dedicates time and resources to well-being.”
Both SIP and PAFMG received recognition at the bronze level, the first time either have made the list. In 2019 the Gould Medical Group, also affiliated with Sutter Health, made the inaugural Joy in Medicine™ list, also at the bronze level.
“Health organizations that have earned recognition from the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leading a national movement that has declared the well-being of health professionals to be an essential element for providing high-quality care to patients, families and communities,” said AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H. “Each Joy in Medicine recognized organization is distinguished as among the nation’s best at creating a culture of wellness that makes a difference in the lives of clinical care teams.”
In 2023, a total of 72 health systems nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork and support.
Since its inception in 2019, the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program has acknowledged more than 100 organizations across the country. Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.
