Three Colorado hospital systems have received recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) for their work in reducing physician burnout and supporting clinician wellbeing. The Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Award was given to UCHealth, CommonSpirit Mountain Region, and Denver Health for their ongoing initiatives to create healthier work environments.
UCHealth achieved the highest level of distinction in 2023, a two-year designation that remains valid through 2024. Justin Ross, PsyD, Director of Workplace Wellness at UCHealth, commented on the organization’s philosophy: “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 nationwide recognized by the AMA for prioritizing physician wellbeing as part of their focus on 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 some of the resources provided: “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 staff while promoting workforce wellbeing. Read Pierce, MD, Chief Quality, Safety, and Transformation Officer at Denver Health noted ongoing progress: “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.”
Burnout among physicians peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic but has recently fallen below 50 percent for the first time in four years. Despite this decline in rates since their highest point during COVID-19 disruptions—when many healthcare workers faced increased pressure—physicians continue to report higher levels of burnout compared with other U.S. professions.
The AMA launched its Joy in Medicine program in 2019 with an aim toward encouraging organizations across healthcare settings to develop long-term solutions focused on professional fulfillment while reducing burnout among clinicians. The award evaluates organizations based on six criteria: commitment; assessment; leadership; efficiency within practice environments; teamwork; and support systems. Organizations receive bronze-, silver-, or gold-level recognition according to their demonstrated investment in supporting physician wellbeing.
