Jefferson Health Recognized by the American Medical Association for Prioritizing Clinician Well-Being

Jefferson Health, along with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) which is now part of Jefferson Health, have received national distinction as Joy in Medicine™ health organizations by the American Medical Association (AMA) for their successful efforts in prioritizing clinician well-being. Both Jefferson Health and LVHN were individually recognized – Jefferson Health receiving silver recognition and LVHN earning bronze status prior to its integration into Jefferson Health.

“At Jefferson Health, our mission to improve lives extends beyond our patients – it includes the well-being of our dedicated clinicians and colleagues," said Baligh R. Yehia, MD, MPP, MSc, FACP, President of Jefferson Health and Executive Vice President/Chief Transformation Officer for Jefferson. "This recognition reflects our shared commitment, across the entire Jefferson system, to fostering a holistic approach to clinician well-being. By prioritizing the health of our team, we ensure both our caregivers and our patients can thrive."

This esteemed recognition from the AMA, valid for two years, highlights the importance of clinician well-being as a key factor in the overall success of health systems and the quality of patient care. The Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program sets rigorous standards for reducing work-related burnout and promoting professional fulfillment, both of which Jefferson Health and LVHN have been deeply committed to.

AMA President Bruce A. Scott, MD, added, “A national movement is gaining momentum to transform healthcare work systems and address the root causes of physician burnout. Health organizations recognized through the AMA’s Joy in Medicine program, like Jefferson Health and LVHN, are leading the charge with bold strategies to redesign clinical environments that promote professional well-being and support high-quality care.”

Jefferson Health is dedicated to creating a comprehensive, system-wide program for clinician well-being. Its Jefferson Enterprise Holistic Health and Well-Being program is rooted in evidence-based frameworks such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) eight Dimensions of Wellness model and the Stanford Model of Professional Fulfillment.

By addressing physical, emotional, financial, social, occupational, environmental, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of well-being, Jefferson provides its clinicians with robust support to help them excel in their roles. These efforts are spearheaded by the Jefferson Provider and APC Well-Being (JPAW) Council, which rolled out its first enterprise-wide strategic plan in Fiscal Year 2024. Key areas of focus include optimizing electronic health records, care team structures and enhancing communication to ensure the well-being of clinicians.

LVHN remains committed to promoting professional fulfillment and reducing burnout among its clinicians. The LVHN Wellness Committee, consisting of physicians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs), drives initiatives to enhance practice efficiency, foster a culture of wellness, and offer accessible resources to support clinician self-care and resilience.

Key initiatives at LVHN include:

• The use of the Well-Being Index to measure individual clinician well-being and provide tailored resources to address personal burnout. Data is collected anonymously and shared with leadership to track the effectiveness of interventions.
• A system-wide listening campaign to gather clinician feedback on burnout and communicate these findings to leadership for action.
• The Peer 4 Peer Mentorship Program, consisting of 30 trained physicians, APCs and pharmacists, offers confidential peer support to colleagues experiencing stress or burnout.

Since the AMA launched its Joy in Medicine™ program in 2019, more than 100 health systems have been recognized for their efforts to address the root causes of burnout and enhance clinician well-being. In 2024, Jefferson Health and LVHN join 62 other systems nationwide in receiving this prestigious recognition.