WVU Hospitals honored for commitment to well-being of physicians

(Note: Story originally posted on WVU Medicine Connect. The most up-to-date information can be found at the original article -- WVU Medicine login required.)

WVU Hospitals (WVUH), which includes WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, WVU Medicine Children’s, and Fairmont Medical Center, has earned bronze level recognition in 2025 from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine® organization. The prestigious recognition from the country’s leading physician’s association honors health systems, hospitals, and medical groups that are leaders in the national effort to transform health care work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams. 

“This designation recognizes the work of many in our organization who recognize that caring for our physicians is integral in caring for our patients,” Cara Sedney, M.D., M.A., WVUH Chief Wellness Officer, said. “Creating a community where physicians are supported and professionally fulfilled allows WVUH to be a leader in physician wellness.” 

Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8 percent in 2021 during the Covid pandemic, according to the AMA. Despite improvements at the system level and a gradual decrease in those numbers, physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals. 

“Joy in Medicine recognized organizations are leading the gains made against the physician burnout crisis and help clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that comes from helping patients,” Bobby Mukkamala, M.D., AMA president, said. “The AMA distinction honors each organization’s commitment to not only the health and well-being of the care team, but also to patients. Quality care ultimately originates from a positive and purposeful work culture where health care professionals can flourish both mentally and physically.” 

WVUH’s recognition demonstrates its efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and increase competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support. Physician wellness initiatives at WVUH include regular well-being assessments; a dedicated physician wellness committee; bidirectional feedback mechanisms for physician concerns; professional development programs; programs that expand access to physical and mental healthcare among physicians; an active and well-established peer support program; an institutional Employee Assistance Program providing mental well-being support, health and wellness coaching, and tobacco cessation programs; and more.  

Organizations that earned 2025-2026 recognition join a strong group of currently recognized organizations from the 2024-2025 program, bringing the currently recognized cohort to 164 recognized organizations. 

To learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, visit AMA-Assn.org/JoyInMedicine.