The University of Chicago Medicine earned bronze-level recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine health organization. The 2024 distinction from the country’s leading physician’s group recognizes health systems and hospitals that are successfully reducing burnout and enhancing the well-being and professional fulfillment of doctors.
UChicago Medicine is one of 62 health systems across the country to be recognized for its commitment to physician well-being in this year’s Joy in Medicine program. The designation is valid for two years and was announced Oct. 15.
“Reducing burnout requires health system leaders to invest in systems-based solutions that provide resources to match the demands placed on physicians,” said Christine Sinsky, MD, AMA Vice President of Professional Satisfaction. “There is so much health systems can do to improve physician well-being while also improving patient care. We designed the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program to provide leaders with an actionable road map to solutions that will help physicians and patients thrive.”
UChicago Medicine was recognized for its efforts to improve wellness, ease of practice and resilience, much of which is part of its UC Well initiatives. This includes the health system’s addition of ambient AI tools to streamline physician workflows and internal improvement programs that identify, target and fix day-to-day challenges impacting the clinical community.
In addition, UChicago Medicine has begun a number of other efforts, including the launch of new internal peer development programs for physicians, the addition of Well-Being Directors for clinical departments, wellness grants, physician surveys and other efforts that are designed to help physicians feel more valued, respected and heard. The efforts all prioritize wellness, equity and quality improvement strategies while cultivating partnerships across the system for the successful implementation of solutions.
“Joy and meaning in our work is critical to our success as an organization that serves patients, our community, students and our academic pursuits,” said Bree Andrews, MD, Chief Wellness and Vitality Officer and Associate Dean of Faculty Well-being. “We’re committed to nurturing the joy that each of our physicians and faculty members have in their work — from the laboratory to the bedside — while also helping them when the journey is rocky.”
After peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic, the physician burnout rate has dipped under 50 percent for the first time in four years. The rate at UChicago is just below 40% percent, as measured this year and last. This is a milestone for the organization, but continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.
“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, MD. “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.”
