Three Colorado hospital systems have been recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) for their efforts to reduce physician burnout and support wellbeing. UCHealth, CommonSpirit Mountain Region, and Denver Health received the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Award, which highlights initiatives aimed at improving workplace conditions for medical staff.
UCHealth earned the highest distinction in 2023, a two-year designation that remains valid through 2024. Justin Ross, PsyD, Director of Workplace Wellness at UCHealth, stated: “I often use the phrase, ‘Wellness is not a problem to be solved, rather a value to be integrated into everything we do.’” He added, “I’m most proud that UCHealth recognizes the importance of employee wellbeing and strives to integrate this as a top institutional priority.”
CommonSpirit Mountain Region and Denver Health both received Bronze status in 2024. They join 62 health systems nationwide recognized for prioritizing physician wellbeing as part of high-quality patient care. Shauna Gulley, MD, System Senior Vice President for the Physician Enterprise at CommonSpirit Health said: “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 described available resources: “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 said. “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 continues efforts to monitor burnout trends among its workforce while implementing measures designed to increase staff wellbeing. Read Pierce, MD, Chief Quality, Safety, and Transformation Officer at Denver Health commented: “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 continues to be an issue within healthcare despite some improvements since COVID-19 pandemic peaks; recent data shows rates have dropped below 50 percent after four years but remain higher than those seen among other U.S. workers.
The AMA established its Joy in Medicine program in 2019 with aims of encouraging organizations nationwide to adopt sustainable practices supporting professional fulfillment while reducing provider burnout. Awards are based on six core areas including leadership engagement and efficiency of practice environments; achievement levels range from bronze up through gold depending on each system’s demonstrated investment in clinician wellbeing.
