Commitment Statement on Clinician Well-Being
January 8, 2018
To:Penn Medicine Faculty
From:J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
Lisa Bellini, MD
The New Year is an appropriate time to resolve to promote clinician vitality and foster well-being. To that end, we write to share a statement submitted at the close of last year in support of the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience.
As you are aware, clinician burnout is a problem that affects all specialties in all kinds of care settings. By one estimate, more than half of U.S. physicians report significant symptoms. Penn Medicine is no exception to this trend, which is why we are committed to taking action to mitigate burnout and promote clinician well-being. The attached statement, drafted by Lisa Bellini in consultation with Penn Medicine leadership and the Wellness Committee, reflects this unwavering commitment.
To foster greater joy in the practice of medicine and to cultivate scientific curiosity, we propose a three-pronged approach: enhancing Penn Medicine’s culture of well-being; improving practice/work efficiency; and promoting personal resilience. To identify optimum solutions, we will engage in a process of assessment, rigorous experimentation, and reassessment.
We encourage you to reflect on the attached statement and to share your thoughts and suggestions with Lisa Bellini, who is spearheading our efforts in this domain. Together we will make 2018 a year of improved patient-clinician relationships, high functioning teams, and an engaged and effective workforce.
You can find out more about the NAM initiative and read the Commitment Statements of health care institutions across the country here.