Upstate Medical University has earned recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine™ recognized organization. The AMA distinction is granted only to organizations that attest to the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program and demonstrate a commitment to preserving the well-being of clinical care team members through proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.

Upstate achieved Silver recognition, the second highest level. Upstate is in good company. Other Silver recognition institutions include the Mayo Clinic, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai and Rush University Medical Center, Chicago.

Chief Wellness Officer Leslie Kohman, MD, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor of Surgery, said this recognition is shared with the Upstate community. “I am grateful to all the workers and learners from every sector of our university who are diligently and creatively striving to better the working conditions of their colleagues,” she said. “This enthusiastic and growing team surprises me daily with their concern and empathy for their fellow healthcare humans.”

Kohman said the university continues to make inroads and enhancements on its wellness focus. Recent accomplishments include the hiring of an experienced social worker to serve only staff members, which has led to a robust crisis response team to assist heath care workers who are involved in difficult or demanding cases; the implantation of the 4-KARE hot line, an anonymous 24-hour help line for staff and students, managed by experienced triage nurses; and the incorporation of wellness into the university’s strategic plan.

“Health organizations that have earned recognition from the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leading a national movement that has declared the well-being of health professionals to be an essential element for providing high-quality care to patients, families, and communities,” said AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH. “Each Joy in Medicine recognized organization is distinguished as among the nation’s best at creating a culture of wellness that makes a difference in the lives of clinical care teams.”

"The goal of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is to unite the health care community in building a nationwide culture committed to the well-being of clinical care teams by helping health organizations invest in action plans promoting professional fulfillment and meaning that clinicians find in caring for their patients,” said Christine Sinsky, M.D., AMA vice president of professional satisfaction.

Since its inception in 2019, the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 100 organizations across the country. In 2023, a total of 72 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.

Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.