MemorialCare Medical Group Named One of 18 Joy in Medicine™ Award Recipients in California from the American Medical Association for Leadership in Physician Burnout

MemorialCare Medical Group has been nationally recognized by the American Medical Association as a Joy in Medicine health organization for the second consecutive year-one of only 18 organizations in California and among just 109 nationwide to earn this distinction. This award highlights MemorialCare Medical Group's Success in tackling physician burnout, a public health crisis impacting nearly half of U.S. doctors-linked to higher medical errors, lower patient satisfaction, and increased hospital-acquired infections.

"Physician burnout is one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today, and addressing it is essential to supporting the clinicians at the forefront of health care delivery. This recognition reflects our commitment to creating an environment where our physicians can thrive, so they can continue doing the work they love without sacrificing their own well-being."

- Ghe Rosales-Vong, M.D., co-medical director, physician wellness, MemorialCare Medical Group.

The American Medical Association's Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program uses six rigorous criteria to honor organizations that lead the way in combating physician burnout and promoting professional fulfillment. These include measuring physician well-being with validated tools, demonstrating executive-level commitment to wellness, improving practice efficiency, fostering teamwork, training leaders to support a positive culture, and providing robust mental health and peer support resources.

MemorialCare Medical Group takes a comprehensive approach to physician well-being by regularly assessing wellness, streamlining workflows, and introducing innovative solutions such as Abridge, an AI-powered clinical documentation platform that automatically transcribes and organizes patient visit notes. By simplifying the documentation process, Abridge helps physicians save time and reduce administrative burdens, to focus more on their mission-direct patient care. The group also expanded support programs and fostered new opportunities for teamwork, helping physicians manage stress and rediscover fulfillment in their work-they've joined causes such as creating a running team that raises funds for MemorialCare's Miller Children's & Women's Hospital while creating a bond outside of work and doing something healthy together.

"Healthcare is a wonderful field to work in, but often the demands of the industry can be overwhelming. These pressures and challenges can lead to burnout in many healthcare professionals," says Leah Phan, D.O., co-medical director, physician wellness, MemorialCare Medical Group. "By focusing on physician well-being inside and outside of work and reconnecting physicians to their mission-truly taking care of patients rather than paperwork -we improve quality of life for our physicians and ensure our patients receive the best care possible. This recognition underscores our commitment to a culture of wellness."

According to the American Medical Association, burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and, despite system-level improvements that reduced the rate to 45.2% in 2023, it remains far higher than other U.S. workers.

"Joy in Medicine organizations are leading the gains made against the physician burnout crisis and help clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that come from helping patients," says Bobby Mukkamala, M.D., president, American Medical Association. "The American Medical Association distinction honors each organization's commitment to not only the health and well-being of the care team, but also to patients. Quality care originates from a positive and purposeful work culture where health care professionals can flourish both mentally and physically."