The American Medical Association (AMA) recognized Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group as one of 44 health care organizations to receive the 2021 Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program award. This distinction recognizes Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group with a demonstrated commitment to preserving the well-being of health care team members by engaging in proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.

“We’re still in the middle of one of the most difficult times we’ve ever faced in health care. These challenges have highlighted the need to enhance well-being resources and systems for our physicians and advanced practice providers,” said Peter Valenzuela, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group. “We are honored to be recognized among the best in the country, for our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our clinicians. We will continue to empower and propel our caregivers, so they can continue to improve the lives of our patients and the communities we serve.”

A national study examining the experiences of physicians and other health care workers who worked in health care systems during the COVID-19 pandemic found that 38% self-reported experiencing anxiety or depression, while 43% suffered from work overload and 49% had burnout.

Candidates for the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program were evaluated according to their documented efforts to reduce work-related burnout through system level drivers. Scoring criteria was based on demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support.

Launched in 2019, the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is a component of the AMA’s practice transformation efforts, an ambitious initiative to advance evidence-based solutions that fill the knowledge gap in effective solutions to the physician burnout crisis.