Why bringing joy back to medicine matters 

Leong Koh, MD, president and CEO of Northwest Permanente 

Practicing medicine is more than a job for many physicians; it’s a calling that we feel driven to pursue. In a perfect world, we’d provide care without administrative burdens, allowing time to focus on our own wellness. In reality, while physicians prioritize patients and their medical needs, mandatory non-medical responsibilities often cause physicians to neglect their own needs, which may lead to burnout.  

It’s vital that employers bring joy back to medicine — and I’m proud to share that 2 more Permanente Medical Groups were recognized for doing just that.  

Northwest Permanente and the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group were honored by the American Medical Association 2024 Joy in Medicine™ Recognition Program. They join 4 other Permanente Medical Groups honored the previous year: the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, The Permanente Medical Group, The Southeast Permanente Medical Group, and Washington Permanente Medical Group.   

The Joy in Medicine designation recognizes hospitals, health systems, and medical groups for their commitment to reducing physician burnout and fostering a culture of wellness that benefits both physicians and patients.  

The connection between physician well-being and quality of care

A clinician’s well-being is inextricably linked to the quality and safety of patient care. High levels of stress, fatigue, and burnout diminish the ability to provide optimal care. Research demonstrates that stressed or burned-out clinicians are more prone to medical errors, exhibit decreased empathy, and reduced adherence to clinical guidelines.  

Innovation is at the forefront of Permanente Medical Groups’ commitment to reduce physician burnout and prioritize wellness. New technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are helping all Permanente Medical Groups, including Northwest Permanente and the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden.   

The focus on physician wellness extends beyond the individual Permanente Medical Groups. In 2024, Kaiser Permanente launched a system-wide AI-powered ambient listening tool for more than 24,000 physicians, enhancing their ability to concentrate on providing high-quality, patient-centered care.   

On average, Permanente physicians say the tool saves them an hour a day at the computer, according to Kristine Lee, MD, an internist and associate executive director of virtual medicine, technology and innovation at The Permanente Medical Group.  

The physician-led care that distinguishes the Permanente Medical Groups is made possible by the physicians themselves. Congratulations to Northwest Permanente and the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group on this important honor that validates why bringing joy back to medicine matters.