Jefferson Health Recognized by the American Medical Association for its Commitment to Clinician Well-being

Jefferson Health received national gold-level recognition as a Joy in Medicine™ health organization by the American Medical Association (AMA) for its successful efforts in prioritizing clinician well-being.

The prestigious recognition from the country’s leading physicians’ association honors health systems, hospitals, and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of doctors that comes from patient care. Organizations meeting the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leaders in the national effort to transform healthcare work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams.

“Our clinicians are an invaluable resource, and in order to provide optimal care to patients, they need to take care of their own health. Caring for our patients begins with caring for our clinicians,” said Baligh R. Yehia, MD, MPP, MSc, FACP, President, Jefferson Health. “That’s why, across Jefferson Health, we continually offer new initiatives and opportunities to support and bolster the emotional, psychological and physical well-being of our clinicians and healthcare professionals.”

Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID pandemic, according to research. But thanks to strides made to address burnout at the system level, the national physician burnout rate ebbed to 45.2% in 2023. Despite improvements, physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.

“Joy in Medicine recognized organizations are leading the gains made against the physician burnout crisis and help clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that comes from helping patients,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD. “The AMA distinction honors each organization’s commitment to not only the health and well-being of the care team, but also to patients. Quality care ultimately originates from a positive and purposeful work culture where health care professionals can flourish both mentally and physically.”

Jefferson Health is dedicated to creating a comprehensive, system-wide program for clinician well-being. Its Jefferson Enterprise Holistic Health and Well-being Program is rooted in evidence-based frameworks such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) eight Dimensions of Wellness model and the Operational Well-being model.

By addressing physical, emotional, financial, social, occupational, environmental, intellectual and spiritual aspects of well-being, Jefferson provides its clinicians with robust support to help them excel in their roles. These efforts are spearheaded by the Jefferson Physician and APC Well-being (JPAW) Council.

Core well-being initiatives include:

• Expansion of Jefferson Physician and APC Leadership (JPAL) Development Program provides physicians and advanced practice clinicians (APC) with core leadership, management and operational competencies. Topics include: emotional intelligence, effective communication, well-being, challenging conversations, quality and safety, and more.
• Jefferson Excellence Awards recognize excellence in clinical practice, leadership, medical research, community outreach and service.
• AMA’s Well-being Survey gathers data on system-level drivers of stress and burnout. This data was shared with executive and clinical leaders to promote awareness and catalyze conversations around possible tactics and interventions to mitigate these drivers and promote occupational well-being.
• Dinner and Dialogue fosters community building and encourages collegiality, shared experience, connectedness and mutual support.
• EHR Proficiency Team offers at-the-elbow support from clinician peers to optimize experiences within the EHR.
• Abridge Ambient AI Scribe transcribes conversations into structured notes within the EHR. Abridge is available for all clinicians across the system.

Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 200 organizations across the country. Recognition levels are valid for two years. In 2025, Jefferson Health joined a total of 109 health organizations nationwide in receiving this recognition for 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. Organizations that earned 2025-2026 recognition join a strong group of currently recognized organizations from the 2024-2025 program, bringing the currently recognized cohort to 164 organizations.