Stanford Medicine Recognized for Promoting the Well-Being of Healthcare Workers | Information Center

Stanford Medicine once again won the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine Award and is the only organization to have twice achieved Gold status.

“While we still have a way to go to create the environment we aspire to, the fact that Stanford Medicine is the only organization to achieve the highest level of recognition each year from the award is testament to its commitment to creating an environment that fosters professional development. ,” noted Tait Shanafelt, MD, wellness manager and Professor Jeanie and Stew Ritchie at Stanford Medicine. “The challenges we have faced over the past 18 months have underscored the critical need to reduce unnecessary work, increase flexibility, make work meaningful, and provide the resources people need to take care of their lives. ‘themselves, their families and others. ”

WADA launched the Joy in Medicine Healthcare System Recognition Program in 2019 as part of an initiative to address burnout among physicians, nurses and other healthcare workers. The association assesses the commitment and efforts of organizations to reduce burnout among clinicians, awarding gold, silver and bronze awards.

In 2019, WADA presented awards to 22 healthcare organizations across the United States, two of which received the Gold Level designation. In 2021, it recognized 44 organizations, five of which received the gold level designation. (The association skipped 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.)

“The healthcare systems we recognize today are true leaders in promoting an organizational response that makes a difference in the lives of healthcare workers,” said WADA President Gerald Harmon in a statement. Press release.

Stanford Medicine was the first academic medical center in the country to appoint a wellness officer in June 2017. It established the WellMD and WellPhD Center working with school and hospital leaders to create an environment that enhances the well-being of physicians and biomedical researchers, with the goal of reducing burnout and increasing professional growth.