MyMichigan Health recognized by AMA as Joy in Medicine organization
MIDLAND — MyMichigan Health has earned silver level recognition from the American Medical Association as a Joy in Medicine health organization. This is the fourth year in a row the Midland-based health system has been recognized by the AMA. MyMichigan earned bronze level honor accolades every year since 2021.
The prestigious AMA distinction is granted to organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program and acknowledges the nation’s leaders in prioritizing proven efforts to enhance the well-being and professional fulfillment of physicians. In 2024, a total of 62 health systems nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support.
“Reducing and preventing provider burnout continues to be a significant focus for us since it impacts not only the providers but the communities we serve,” said Pankaj Jandwani, M.D., M.M.M., vice president of medical affairs, MyMichigan Health. “That’s why developing a culture of wellness to help support one another has been so important to us here. MyMichigan Health Wellness and Provider Wellbeing Councils play a key role in reinforcing that culture to ensure the needs of our providers are met and we can offer the best care possible to our patients and community.”
MyMichigan Health has been fortunate to receive a generous grant from The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, as well as partnership with community partners including Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition to improve upon the culture of workplace wellbeing.
After peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic, the physician burnout rate has dipped under 50% nationally for the first time in four years. MyMichigan Health provider burnout rate has consistently stayed below the national rates between 28-30% in the last three years.
“Physicians are humans caring for other human beings, strained by factors beyond their control and challenged by the enormous expectations placed on them to continuously deliver high quality, compassionate care. There is no doubt change is needed, but what needs to change is not the doctors,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “A national movement is gaining momentum to transform health care work systems and fix the root causes of physician burnout. Health organizations that have earned the AMA’s Joy in Medicine recognition are leading this movement with bold visions for redesigned clinical systems to foster professional well-being and support quality care.”
Organizations recognized with the AMA honor demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support, as well as documented efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.
MyMichigan Health has implemented many programs over the past seven years to help decrease burnout and improve wellbeing.
Those interested in learning more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program may visit ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.
MyMichigan Health, a nonprofit health system headquartered in Midland, has medical centers in Alma, Alpena, Clare, Gladwin, Midland, Mt. Pleasant, Saginaw, Sault Ste. Marie, Standish, Tawas, and West Branch.