MemorialCare Medical Foundation has been nationally recognized by the American Medical Association as a Joy in Medicine health organization for the third consecutive year—one of only 27 organizations in California and among just 92 nationwide to earn this distinction. This recognition highlights MemorialCare Medical Foundation's commitment to reducing the systemic drivers of physician burnout and fostering professional fulfillment. Research has shown that physician burnout is associated with increased medical errors, lower patient satisfaction, and poorer outcomes, making physician well-being an important component of delivering high-quality patient care.
"Supporting physician well-being remains one of the most important priorities in healthcare today. Earning this recognition for the third consecutive year reflects our continued commitment to creating an environment where physicians can thrive, find fulfillment in their work and focus on delivering exceptional care to our patients."
- Ghe Rosales-Vong, M.D., co-medical director, physician wellness, MemorialCare Medical Group
The American Medical Association's Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program uses six rigorous criteria to recognize organizations that are leading efforts to reduce physician burnout and promote professional fulfillment. These criteria include measuring physician well-being using validated assessment tools, demonstrating executive leadership commitment, improving practice efficiency, fostering teamwork, developing leaders who support a positive workplace culture, and providing mental health and peer support resources.
MemorialCare Medical Foundation takes a comprehensive approach to physician well-being by regularly assessing wellness, streamlining workflows and adopting innovative technologies that help reduce administrative burden. Through sophistication in AI technology and improved workflows, physicians reduced time spent on note documentation, helping improve efficiency and allowing more time for patient care. MemorialCare has also continued to pilot AI-assisted tools within its electronic health record to support patient communications and other administrative tasks, further enhancing physician efficiency.
In addition to technology-driven solutions, MemorialCare's long-standing "Taming the Inbasket" initiative continues to improve workflows by reducing tasks that can be managed without direct physician involvement, helping clinicians devote more time to their patients and professional fulfillment. These efforts, combined with ongoing investments in physician engagement, leadership support and workplace culture, have helped make MemorialCare a highly engaged practice environment, with physician engagement scores exceeding national benchmarks across nearly all measured domains.
"Physicians enter medicine because they want to make a difference in people's lives, yet administrative demands and other workplace pressures can sometimes pull them away from that purpose," said Vinh Nguyen, M.D., chief medical information officer, MemorialCare. "By supporting physician well-being and helping physicians spend more time caring for patients rather than managing administrative tasks, we improve the experience of both our physicians and our patients.”
According to the American Medical Association, burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and, despite system-level improvements that reduced the rate to 45.2% in 2023, it remains far higher than other U.S. workers.
“Supporting physician well-being helps create better care for everyone,” said Willie Underwood III, M.D., MSc, MPH, president, American Medical Association. “Studies show that when physicians are supported, patients benefit from safer care, higher quality, and a better overall experience. Organizations recognized by the Joy in Medicine Program are leading the way by investing in workplaces that support physicians and help them deliver compassionate, high-quality care. The AMA is proud to honor these leaders for their commitment to physician well-being and healthier communities."