Prioritizing Family Physician Wellness:
Combating Burnout and Cultivating Joy in Medicine
As Family Physicians, we dedicate our lives to the care of others, often placing our own well-being on the back burner. However, the reality is clear: physician burnout is a public health crisis, impacting patient care, workforce sustainability, and our own health. The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has recognized this crisis and is taking action with its National Healthcare Worker Wellbeing Day and Summit which occurred this past March in Washington, DC. Initiatives such as these bring critical awareness to the issue and highlights actionable solutions.
The statistics on physician burnout are sobering. According to recent studies, more than 60% of physicians report symptoms of burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment. The Lorna Breen Foundation has been instrumental in advocating for cultural and systemic change, fighting stigma around mental health, and ensuring that physicians can seek help without fear of professional repercussions.
We also recognize the leadership of the American Medical Association (AMA) through its Joy in Medicine Recognition Program, which acknowledges organizations that commit to reducing burnout and fostering well-being. This evidence-based program provides best practices for improving work-life balance, reducing administrative burdens, and creating a supportive practice environment. There are several other efforts and strategies being employed currently — including training and hiring of Chief Wellness Officers (CWO) and incorporating Reducing Burnout & Physician Wellness as core competencies for Chief Medical Officers (CMO) and hospital medical staff Chief of Staff (CoS).
So, how can we, as Family Physicians in Los Angeles County, work together to mitigate burnout and enhance our collective well-being? The solutions lie in scientifically proven, evidence-based methods, including:
- Advocate for System-Level Interventions at our Institutions – Health systems must address inefficiencies that contribute to burnout. Reducing excessive documentation, optimizing electronic health record usability, and ensuring fair compensation are key priorities. Health systems should explore and employ innovative technologies including AI and other digital health solutions that improve patient outcomes and improve physician professional satisfaction.
- Create Peer Support Groups and Community Building Opportunities – Creating networks where physicians can share experiences and challenges fosters resilience. Establishing wellness committees and physician support groups can be a powerful tool in combating burnout.
- Provide Mental Health and Resilience Training – Encouraging mindfulness, cognitive behavioral strategies, and access to confidential mental health support can help physicians navigate stressors more effectively.
- Engage in Advocacy and Policy Change – Supporting initiatives that remove barriers to physician wellness, such as reforms in prior authorizations, reducing the regulatory and administrative burdens, EHR challenges, and medical licensing and credentialing that discourage disclosure of mental health struggles, is critical.
- Celebrate Achievements and Acknowledge Contributions – Recognizing the hard work of Family Physicians through awards, workplace appreciation, and wellness programs reinforces a culture of gratitude and respect.
Observing National Healthcare Worker Wellbeing Day serves as an urgent call to action for each of us. I urge my fellow Family Physicians to engage with this initiative, advocate for workplace improvements, and prioritize self-care. Likewise, the work of the Lorna Breen Foundation and the AMA Joy in Medicine program provides a roadmap for transforming our professional landscape.
By working together—clinicians, healthcare organizations, policymakers, and professional associations—we can build a future where Family Physicians thrive, ensuring the health of our communities for generations to come right here in Los Angeles County.
Let’s take this moment to recommit to our own well-being, for the sake of ourselves, our families and loved ones, our patients, and the future of our profession.
Saludos y Happy Spring!
Jerry Abraham, MD, MPH, CMQ
2025 LAAFP President
