South Shore Health Earns National Recognition from AMA for Commitment to Provider Well-Being

South Shore Health has been awarded Bronze recognition in the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine® program, joining 164 healthcare organizations nationwide honored for advancing provider well-being and reducing burnout.

The Joy in Medicine recognition celebrates organizations that create environments where health care professionals can thrive. 

At South Shore Health, key initiatives include confidential peer support services, wellness resources, and regular burnout assessments. The health system also implemented AI-powered medical scribes to ease documentation burdens, giving providers more time to focus on patient care.

“Earning this award is a reminder that creating an environment of compassion, purpose, and joy for every provider is essential to delivering high-quality care to our patients,” said Kimberly Dever, MD, Vice President of Women’s Health, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Wellbeing Committee Chair. “South Shore Health is deeply committed to protecting the health and well-being of our colleagues, and this recognition reflects that promise.”

Nationally, physician burnout rates have recently dipped below 50 percent for the first time in four years—a milestone supported by initiatives like those at South Shore Health.

“The AMA distinction honors each organization’s commitment to not only the health and well-being of the care team, but also to patients,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD. “Quality care originates from a positive and purposeful work culture where health care professionals can flourish both mentally and physically.”

“This recognition is a milestone, but not a finish line,” added Samuel Yoffe Ash, MD, Chief Medical Informatics Officer, who helped spearhead several initiatives. “We will continue to build on this progress, seeking new ways to reduce provider burnout and promote professional fulfillment.”

“Receiving this award affirms the importance of our ongoing efforts to build a culture where clinicians can thrive,” said Christopher Ducko, MD, President of South Shore Health’s Medical Staff. “Our providers give so much of themselves to care for this community, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they feel supported, valued, and sustained in that work.”