October 3, 2023
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has been honored by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine recognized organization. Ohio State is one of 72 health systems nationwide to earn the recognition this year for demonstrating a commitment to preserving the well-being of clinical care team members through proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.
“We are excited to achieve recognition as an organization that is committed to creating an environment that promotes professional fulfillment for our faculty and employees. Although there is still more to be done to improve our work environments in health care locally and across the nation, this recognition speaks to the commitment the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center has made and continues to make to support our faculty and employees,” said Laxmi Mehta, MD, chief well-being leader and faculty director of the Gabbe Health and Well-Being program, which is aimed at improving employee and learner well-being.
Burnout rates among the nation’s physicians and other health care professionals spiked dramatically as the COVID-19 pandemic placed acute stress on care teams and exacerbated long-standing system issues. The lingering impact of work-related burnout remains an obstacle to achieving national health goals, according to AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld.
“The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center has developed a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes a culture of wellness, system optimization, individual and team resilience, personal health and wellness. There are many different efforts across our organization, including Mindfulness in Motion, STAR Brief Emotional Support Team, Buckeye Paws, James Physician Wellness Program, BRAVO recognition program and well-being committees,” said Mehta, who is a cardiologist and director of Preventative Cardiology and Women’s Cardiovascular Health.
Since its inception in 2019, the Joy in Medicine program has recognized more than 100 organizations across the country.
Media contact: Amy Colgan, Wexner Medical Center Media Relations, Amy.Colgan@osumc.edu
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