Three Colorado hospital systems have received recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) for their work in addressing physician burnout and supporting staff wellbeing. UCHealth, CommonSpirit Mountain Region, and Denver Health were honored with the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Award.
UCHealth achieved the highest distinction in 2023, a two-year designation that continues through 2024. Justin Ross, PsyD, Director of Workplace Wellness at UCHealth, described 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.’” 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 earned Bronze status in 2024. They join 62 health systems across the country recognized for prioritizing physician wellbeing as part of their focus on patient care. Shauna Gulley, MD, System Senior Vice President for the Physician Enterprise at CommonSpirit Health, commented on the significance 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 highlighted resources available to staff: “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.”
At Denver Health efforts continue to address workforce burnout trends. Read Pierce, MD, Chief Quality, Safety, and Transformation Officer at Denver Health explained ongoing initiatives: “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… 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 an important issue within healthcare nationally. Although rates spiked during COVID-19 pandemic years before declining below 50 percent recently—the first time in four years—doctors still report higher levels than other U.S. workers.
The AMA launched its Joy in Medicine program in 2019 aiming to inspire sustainable solutions promoting professional fulfillment among healthcare workers while reducing burnout rates. The award evaluates organizations based on six areas: commitment; assessment; leadership; efficiency of practice environments; teamwork; and support systems.
