Baystate Health and the UMass Chan Medical School Baystate Honored by American Medical Society for Promoting Physician Wellbeing and Preventing Burnout

The American Medical Association has recently announced Baystate Health and the UMass Chan Medical School Baystate have been honored with the prestigious Bronze-Level recognition as a Joy in Medicine™ Health Organization.

“Baystate Health and the UMass Chan Medical School Baystate are proud to be recognized by the American Medical Association as a Joy in Medicine Health Organization,” said Katie Jobbins, DO, MS, FACP, Associate Professor, UMass Chan School of Medicine- Baystate, Department of Medicine, Co-Chair, Baystate Medical Practices Wellness Council. “We often think of wellbeing when it comes to our patients, but physician wellbeing is equally important. Clinicians who feel supported by their organizations are in a position to provide the best care. This recognition amplifies our teams' efforts to reduce physician burnout and we will continue and expand on that commitment moving forward.”

After peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic at levels higher than ever before measured, the physician burnout rate in the United States has dipped under 50 percent for the first time in four years. Despite recent progress, burnout levels remain much higher among physicians than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are essential to fighting the causes of burnout in the health care workforce.

“The physician burnout crisis that has swept across the health care workforce demands urgent action, and the AMA is proud to honor health organization that have joined a national movement to transform health delivery systems by promoting professional well-being as an essential element to meet patients’ need for high-quality care,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “Each health organization that has earned the AMA’s Joy in Medicine recognition is a national leader in this movement with bold visions for redesigned clinical systems to foster professional well-being and support quality care.”

Organizations that earn recognition from the program are designated with an achievement level based on their documented investment in prioritizing physician well-being. Each level—bronze, silver, and gold—is composed of six demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support. Recognition as a Joy in Medicine health organization is valid for two years.

62 health systems, hospitals and medical groups that have earned national distinction in 2024 as newly recognized Joy in Medicine™ health organizations. The honorees join a total of 130 health organizations that currently carry the prestigious AMA distinction granted by the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program in acknowledgment of each organization’s efforts to enhance physician well-being by resolving the root causes of work-related burnout.

Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.