#United States #Fountain Valley #MemorialCare #Joy in Medicine #Physician Wellness

MemorialCare Medical Group Recognized for Leadership in Physician Wellness

In a significant recognition, the American Medical Association (AMA) has honored MemorialCare Medical Group with the prestigious Joy in Medicine™ award for the second consecutive year. This accolade places MemorialCare among an elite group of only 18 organizations in California and 109 across the nation that have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to combating physician burnout.

Physician burnout is an escalating crisis impacting almost half of medical practitioners in the U.S. It is linked to adverse outcomes such as increased medical errors, diminished patient satisfaction, and a rise in hospital-acquired infections. Dr. Ghe Rosales-Vong, co-medical director of physician wellness at MemorialCare, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, noting, "This recognition reflects our commitment to creating an environment where our physicians can thrive, enabling them to continue their vital work without compromising their own well-being."

To achieve this recognition, the AMA's Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program applies six rigorous criteria that honor organizations leading the charge against physician burnout while promoting professional fulfillment. This includes utilizing validated tools to measure physician well-being, demonstrating executive-level commitment to wellness, enhancing practice efficiency, encouraging teamwork, training leaders to cultivate a supportive culture, and providing comprehensive mental health and peer support resources.

MemorialCare Medical Group approaches physician wellbeing holistically. This includes regular wellness assessments, streamlined workflows, and innovative solutions such as Abridge—a cutting-edge AI-powered clinical documentation platform designed to minimize the administrative burden on physicians by automatically transcribing and organizing patient visit notes. Such innovations allow doctors to redirect their focus towards patient care instead of excessive paperwork.

Additionally, the organization has expanded support programs and developed new avenues for collaboration among staff, enabling physicians to manage stress effectively and rekindle a sense of purpose within their roles. A notable initiative includes the establishment of a running team, raising funds for MemorialCare's Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital while promoting health and camaraderie outside of work.

Dr. Leah Phan, co-medical director of physician wellness, reflects on the significance of fostering a culture that values physician well-being: "The demands of the healthcare sector can often be overwhelming, leading to burnout among professionals. By prioritizing physician well-being, we can enhance their quality of life and ensure they deliver outstanding care to their patients. This award reinforces our commitment to a culture centered around wellness."

The AMA reported that the burnout rate among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Although recent data shows a decrease to 45.2% in 2023 due to systemic improvements, the figure remains high compared to other industries. Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, stated, "Joy in Medicine organizations are at the forefront of addressing the physician burnout crisis, enabling clinicians to rediscover the satisfaction and joy that comes with patient care."

About MemorialCare Medical Group:
MemorialCare Medical Group is part of MemorialCare, a nonprofit integrated healthcare system with 1,700 physicians specializing in internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, and various specialties. Serving communities across Orange and Los Angeles counties, the organization operates urgent care centers year-round and provides 24/7 telephone advice nursing, ensuring comprehensive access to care. Recognized as a top workplace by the Orange County Register, MemorialCare is dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care while prioritizing the health and well-being of its staff.

For further details, visit memorialcare.org/medicalgroup.