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Hartford HealthCare Honored by AMA for Promoting Well-Being and Reducing Burnout for Physicians
October 15, 2024
Hartford HealthCare has earned Bronze recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine™ health organization.
The prestigious AMA distinction is granted to organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program and acknowledges the nation’s leaders in prioritizing proven efforts to enhance the well-being and professional fulfillment of physicians. The honor is valid for two years.
“This recognition from the AMA marks a significant step in our ongoing journey to transform healthcare culture. It reflects our deep commitment to fostering the health, well-being, and resilience of our physicians and all our colleagues, ensuring they have the support they need to provide exceptional care,” said Rose Sheehan, Hartford HealthCare Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer.
After peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic, the physician burnout rate has dipped under 50 percent nationally for the first time in four years. This is a milestone in preventing and reducing physician burnout, but continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.
“While there is still work to be done, this recognition is a testament to Hartford HealthCare’s dedication to creating a supportive environment in which physicians can thrive,” said Ajay Kumar, MD, Hartford HealthCare Executive Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer. “It also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our medical staff, so they can continue to deliver the highest level of care to our patients.”
Over the past four years, Hartford HealthCare has made significant strides to advance a well-being culture for physicians and all colleagues across the health system, according to Hartford HealthCare’s Well-Being Director Jennifer Ferrand, PsyD.
“Accomplishments that helped us achieve this Joy in Medicine distinction include the establishment of a well-being department with dedicated staff to develop and lead well-being initiatives throughout our organization. We have focused on increasing access to support resources through our Provider Peer Support program, and decreasing stigma associated with help-seeking. In the coming year, we plan to focus more significantly on reducing day-to-day stressors through a clinician-led effort to design innovative technology improvements,” she said.
Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 100 organizations across the country. In 2024, a total of 62 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. These 2024 organizations join a strong cohort of currently recognized organizations from the 2023 program.
“Physicians are humans caring for other human beings, strained by factors beyond their control and challenged by the enormous expectations placed on them to continuously deliver high quality, compassionate care. There is no doubt change is needed, but what needs to change is not the doctors,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “A national movement is gaining momentum to transform health care work systems and fix the root causes of physician burnout. Health organizations that have earned the AMA’s Joy in Medicine recognition are leading this movement with bold visions for redesigned clinical systems to foster professional well-being and support quality care.”