According to a recent study from the American Medical Association, 43.2% of U.S. physicians reported experiencing at least one symptom of burnout in 2024, marking the first time since 2020 that fewer than half of respondents indicated signs of burnout. While promising, clinician well-being remains a nationwide challenge
At Sutter Health, delivering compassionate, high-quality care to patients starts with supporting the well-being of the individuals who provide it. Health Engagement and Action Locally, otherwise known as HEAL, is a recent initiative launched in 2024 and led by Dr. Navneet Singh, a pediatric physician and medical director of community engagement at Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group. It is one of the many ways the system is investing in the well-being of its physician workforce.
The program provides opportunities for clinicians to volunteer with local non-profits to give back to the community while building connections with their colleagues. To date, the program has been impactful with 423 clinicians volunteering for over 1,000 hours.
Dr. Navneet R. Singh
“The goal of HEAL is to create a sustainable Sutter-sponsored volunteerism model that brings clinicians into the community in ways that are both energizing and meaningful,” said Dr. Singh. “This program isn’t just about giving back; it’s about getting back to the ‘why’ for healthcare workers.”
Care Beyond Sutter’s Walls
Dr. Rajesh Shinghal, head of urology at PAFMG, recently participated in a HEAL event at GLIDE Memorial Church in San Francisco to serve meals during the center’s Saturday lunch service.
Dr. Rajesh Shinghal
“As a close friend of Dr. Singh’s, I was encouraged to participate in the HEAL initiative,” said Dr. Shinghal. “This was my first time participating in a program like this, and it was a great experience. GLIDE was incredibly organized, and it was clear to see the impact the non-profit has on the community of San Francisco.”
Igniting Purpose in Care, Proven by Research
Beyond strengthening ties to the community, HEAL also presents a unique opportunity for clinicians to engage meaningfully with one another.
“Our chance to meet in person is rare, so we have to be intentional about making these connections,” said Dr. Shinghal. “Spending time with colleagues in a face-to-face setting while learning about their lives makes us all feel bonded.”
With clinician well-being top of mind, Sutter’s Center for Health Systems Research is evaluating HEAL through a research lens. A year-long study of HEAL includes pre- and post-event surveys and interviews with both nonprofit partners and participating clinicians.
Dr. Rashon Lane
“Our early findings indicate improvements in the clinician’s sense of purpose, connection and fulfillment,” explains Dr. Rashon Lane, senior health equity researcher at CHSR. “Compared to the beginning of the program more clinicians report that corporate sponsored volunteerism is a useful strategy in addressing burnout. During the first year of the HEAL program we saw an 8% increase in improved feelings around work-life balance among clinicians. One clinician noted that participating in volunteerism ‘filled their cup’ in a way they didn’t realize they needed.”
“These anonymous surveys are helping us understand how corporate sponsored volunteerism can become a powerful strategy for improved well-being and deepened community engagement,” said Dr. Singh. “It’s an evidence-informed way to elevate the care experience, not just for patients, but for our clinicians.”
Based on the early findings and feedback, HEAL is being piloted by Sutter across five community-based organizations in the Palo Alto Medical Foundation footprint, with plans for potential systemwide expansion.
Watch the video here to see HEAL volunteers in action and learn more about research and clinical trials at Sutter Health.
