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Physicians

Physician Burnout Rates Fall Below 45% as Organizations Invest in Well-being Efforts

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Measuring burnout and addressing systemic issues is crucial in reducing physician burnout rates. The American Medical Association (AMA) has recognized over 130 organizations for their well-being efforts. While the latest exclusive AMA data shows that physician burnout nationwide has fallen below 45%, the AMA emphasizes that there is still much work to be done to address this condition affecting all physician specialties. The AMA has empowered health systems to reduce burnout and build well-being by providing a road map for health system leaders to implement programs and policies that support physician well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AMA has recognized over 130 organizations for their well-being efforts, with a focus on reducing physician burnout nationwide.
  • Physicians want their organizations to take big steps in the right direction on doctors' well-being, and the AMA is a powerful ally in this effort.
  • The AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program empowers health systems to reduce burnout and build well-being, with three levels of organizational achievement in prioritizing and investing in physician well-being.
  • The first competency in the program involves measuring burnout in all physicians using a validated tool, with a recommended minimum 20% response rate.
  • Success stories from organizations like Hattiesburg Clinic demonstrate the effectiveness of well-being initiatives, with reported burnout rates below the national benchmark and high satisfaction rates among physicians.
  • The AMA provides various assessment tools and resources, including the Organizational Biopsy and the AMA STEPS Forward toolkit, to support health systems in measuring and addressing burnout.
  • All organizations interested in the 2026 Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program application cycle should view the 2026 guidelines (PDF) and submit an intent to apply to start the process.

Statistics:

  • 130 organizations recognized by the AMA for their well-being efforts
  • Physician burnout nationwide has fallen below 45%
  • 36.4% of Hattiesburg Clinic physicians reported feeling some level of burnout in 2023
  • 84.6% of Hattiesburg Clinic physicians reported feeling satisfied with their job, 15.6 percentage points higher than the national benchmark
  • 21.9% of Hattiesburg Clinic physicians had plans to leave the organization within two years, 15.1 percentage points lower than the national benchmark
  • Minimum 20% response rate recommended for burnout assessments

Sources:

  • American Medical Association (AMA) 2024 Joy in Medicine magazine
  • Hattiesburg Clinic's assessment using the Organizational Biopsy
  • AMA STEPS Forward toolkit "Assessment of Burnout in Physicians and Other Clinicians"
  • AMA STEPS Forward Mentoring for Impact program
  • 2026 Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program guidelines (PDF)

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