RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Recognized for Physician Well-Being

On September 11, 2025, the American Medical Association (AMA) recognized RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health for their commitment to enhancing physician well-being. The organizations received bronze-level honors as part of the AMA’s Joy in Medicine® initiative, which acknowledges health systems that effectively address physician burnout and foster professional fulfillment.

National Recognition for Efforts in Health Care

The accolade is part of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, which has celebrated over 200 organizations since its establishment in 2019. This year, 109 health care entities were recognized, with 67 achieving bronze status. The program highlights institutions that implement effective strategies to combat burnout and support health care staff.

The successful applications from Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC), Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) were led by dedicated teams. Dr. Chantal Brazeau, Chief Wellness Officer of Rutgers Health, and Odette Perriel, Vice President of Support Services at RWJUH, played pivotal roles in the application process. For CBMC, Dr. Michael L. Loftus, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical and Quality Officer, and Dr. Barbara Kirrane, Chair of the CBMC Well-being Committee, spearheaded the initiative.

Innovative Programs to Enhance Physician Support

To qualify for this prestigious recognition, the teams developed mechanisms that ensure executive and medical leadership can directly hear from physicians about their challenges and opportunities. This initiative not only aimed to support clinicians but also sought to uplift the overall work environment.

Among the notable programs implemented are peer support initiatives that engage hundreds of staff members annually. Dr. Loftus emphasized the significance of the Peer Support program, stating, “Every peer supporter is thoughtfully selected and trained, not just for their clinical experience, but for their compassion and ability to connect.” He highlighted the program’s essence: “Where you are, someone else has been.”

These peer support avenues have proven invaluable for clinicians facing stress, personal loss, or moral dilemmas, reassuring them that they are not alone. In addition to peer support, the organizations have introduced regular Senior Leadership Rounds, which allow frontline staff to voice their concerns and experience direct responses from leadership, resulting in tangible improvements, such as the addition of mobile workstations.

Dr. Brazeau noted the transformation in communication and collaboration brought about by these rounds, stating, “Paired with our Culture of Kindness initiative, these efforts have created a more connected, respectful environment where everyone feels seen and valued.”

Despite improvements in addressing burnout, challenges remain. Research indicates that burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2023, this figure decreased to 45.2%, yet it remains significantly higher compared to other workers in the U.S.

Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, President of the AMA, remarked on the importance of these recognitions, stating, “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.” He emphasized that quality care stems from a positive work culture where health care professionals can thrive both mentally and physically.

The recognition from the AMA is a testament to the ongoing efforts of RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health to prioritize the well-being of their teams, ultimately benefiting both health care providers and the patients they serve.