Moffitt Cancer Center Earns American Medical Association Joy in Medicine Honor
TAMPA, Fla. — Moffitt Cancer Center has been honored with the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Joy in Medicine distinction. This prestigious recognition is awarded to health care organizations that demonstrate exemplary commitment to physician well-being and meet the rigorous standards of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program. The criteria include effective leadership, a supportive practice environment and sustainable wellness programs, all designed to reduce burnout and promote professional fulfillment. Moffitt is among the nation’s leaders in advancing proven strategies that enhance the well-being of physicians, highlighting its role as a leader in health care excellence.
“Receiving the Joy in Medicine recognition from the AMA reinforces the importance of the well-being initiatives we have implemented at Moffitt,” said Jennifer Bickel, M.D., chief wellness officer. “It is a great honor to lead these efforts, ensuring that our health care team has the resources and support they need to thrive. This accolade is not just about recognizing what we have achieved but also about inspiring continued progress and innovation in how we support our staff. At Moffitt, we are committed to building a workplace where every team member can find joy in their work and feel valued and supported in their professional journey.”
Moffitt is addressing work-related issues like burnout and helping to create new systems that optimize well-being. Initiatives include peer support, coaching and other interventions to help staff focus on what they love doing: serving cancer patients. One initiative, Schwartz Rounds, provides a structured forum for interprofessional conversation about the social and emotional experiences of caregiving. This program allows everyone to come together in a shared safe place.
After peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic, the physician burnout rate has dipped under 50% for the first time in four years. This is a milestone in preventing and reducing physician burnout, but continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.
“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.”
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt's scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt's expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-844-730-0530), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
About AMA’s Joy in Medicine Recognition Program
Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 100 organizations across the country. 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. These 2024 organizations join a strong cohort of currently recognized organizations from the 2023 program. Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.
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