Edward-Elmhurst Health recognized by AMA for promoting well-being of physicians

Edward-Elmhurst Health has been honored by the American Medical Association’s (AMA) 2022 Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program. The AMA distinction is granted only to those systems that demonstrate a commitment to preserving the well-being of physicians by engaging in proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.

Edward-Elmhurst Health is one of 28 organizations in the U.S. recognized in 2022, all at the Bronze level. The recognition is valid for two years. Edward-Elmhurst Health and the 2022 honorees are in elite company. They join 44 organizations previously recognized at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels by the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program. The 72 systems are among the most prestigious, well-known and highest-rated healthcare providers in the country.

The objectives of the Joy in Medicine Recognition Program include:

• Providing a roadmap for health system leaders interested in implementing programs and policies that actively support well-being.
• Uniting the healthcare community in building a culture committed to increasing joy in medicine for the profession nationwide.
• Building awareness of solutions that promote joy in medicine and spur investment within health systems to reduce physician burnout.

“We’re honored to be recognized for our efforts in meeting the program objectives and building a culture of wellness among our physicians,” says Marie Wadas, MD, System Medical Director, Continuum of Care and Wellness, Edward-Elmhurst Health. “While we’ve made great progress, we’re only in the beginning stages of our journey. We look forward to building on the partnership with our physicians to improve their well-being, which is essential to them meeting the health and wellness needs of their patients and our communities.”

The Recognition Program is intended for health systems with more than 100 physicians and/or advanced practice providers (APPs). Edward-Elmhurst Health has more than 2,000 physicians and APPs on its medical staffs at Edward Hospital (Naperville), Elmhurst Hospital and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health (Naperville).

Edward-Elmhurst Health’s recognition is based on organizational achievement and effort in six competency areas, evaluated through self-assessment and supporting documentation:

• Assessment: Demonstrated organizational commitment to monitoring physician burnout using an assessment tool
• Commitment: Demonstrated organizational investment in establishing a well-being committee and/or well-being office
• Efficiency of practice environment: Demonstrated organizational commitment to measuring time spent in the electronic health record system after work hours
• Leadership: Demonstrated organizational investment to promoting leadership development
• Teamwork: Demonstrated organizational commitment to measuring teamwork metrics
• Support: Demonstrated establishment of peer support programs

A 2021 report based on research led by the AMA shows that “feeling valued by one’s organization was strongly associated with lower stress” and serves as a protective factor against work-related physician burnout. This important finding has paved the way for many organizations to re-examine how leadership, culture, peer support and removing obstacles to patient care act together to create the conditions where joy, purpose, and meaning in medicine are possible. The AMA says this year’s Joy in Medicine recipients have all taken important steps to support physician well-being for the long term.

The AMA began the Joy in Medicine Recognition Program in 2019 to create momentum for wide-ranging change in the culture of medicine that emphasizes professional well-being in healthcare. For more information, visit www.ama-assn.org and search for Joy in Medicine.

Edward-Elmhurst Health is part of NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health, a fully integrated healthcare delivery system that provides access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. For more information, visit NorthShore.org, SwedishCovenant.org, NCH.org and EEHealth.org.