Cecilia Comerford-Ames,
CMS Communications Manager

Three hospital systems in Colorado have been recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) for their exceptional commitment to reducing physician burnout and promoting wellbeing. The Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Award was granted to UCHealth, CommonSpirit Mountain Region, and Denver Health in acknowledgment of their significant efforts to foster a healthier work environment for physicians and clinical teams.

UCHealth earned the highest distinction in 2023, a two-year designation that continues in 2024. Justin Ross, PsyD, Director of Workplace Wellness, reflects on the organization’s approach: “I often use the phrase, ‘Wellness is not a problem to be solved, rather a value to be integrated into everything we do.’” Ross continued, “I’m most proud that UCHealth recognizes the importance of employee wellbeing and strives to integrate this as a top institutional priority.”

Both CommonSpirit Mountain Region and Denver Health received Bronze status in 2024, joining 62 health systems nationwide that prioritize physician wellbeing as part of their commitment to high-quality patient care. Speaking on this recognition, Shauna Gulley, MD, System Senior Vice President for the Physician Enterprise at CommonSpirit Health, emphasizes the essential nature of caregiver support: “CommonSpirit physicians and advanced practice providers do an incredible job taking care of our patients every day with compassion and expertise. We are not immune, however, to workplace stress, and it is essential that we properly care for each other and for ourselves. When our caregivers are happy and healthy, our patients and communities are healthier as a result.”

Diane Thompson, MD, Enterprise Medical Director for Wellbeing at CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region, echoes this sentiment, describing the proactive resources offered to physicians. “Our commitment to physician wellbeing in the CommonSpirit Mountain Region includes a 24-hour physician support line, peer coach training, individual coaching sessions and more,” she says. “Together, we are working to ensure we’re being proactive about addressing burnout, stress and any other mental health concerns that may arise for our providers.”

Denver Health is monitoring trends in burnout and working to increase wellbeing in their workforce, and progress remains ongoing, says Read Pierce, MD, Chief Quality, Safety, and Transformation Officer. “Clinician burnout is a national challenge as well as one affecting Denver Health. This recognition highlights effective interventions deployed over the last five years, including many that are still in place today, as well as the organization’s commitment to further improvement. I’m proud of the work our Provider Engagement Committee has done to build relationships and listen to voices across the organization about the key drivers of burnout at Denver Health and to create a foundation to address those challenges throughout our health system.”

Physician burnout remains a critical challenge in the health care sector, despite some progress following the COVID-19 pandemic. After reaching peak levels during the pandemic, burnout rates have now dipped below 50 percent for the first time in four years. However, physicians continue to experience significantly higher burnout levels compared to other U.S. workers, underscoring the importance of continued efforts to address the root causes of work-related stress.

The AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program was launched in 2019 with the goal of inspiring health care organizations to develop sustainable solutions that promote professional fulfillment and reduce burnout. Recognition is based on a rigorous evaluation of six core competencies: commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environments, teamwork and support systems. Each organization is assigned an achievement level – bronze, silver, or gold – based on their investment in physician wellbeing.

“We are proud to honor these health organizations that are leading the charge to redesign clinical systems and support the professional wellbeing of physicians,” says AMA President Bruce A. Scott, MD. “Their bold visions are transforming health care delivery and ensuring that clinicians can provide high-quality care in a supportive environment.”

As these Colorado hospitals continue to implement action plans that prioritize physician wellbeing, they contribute to a national movement aimed at resolving the systemic drivers of burnout. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to other health organizations striving to improve physician satisfaction and create healthier work environments for all clinical teams.