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VA Boston Healthcare System Earns Silver-Level AMA Recognition for Physician Well-being

L-R: Leslie Pierson, interim director of VA Boston HCS; Dr. Sucheta Doshi, chief well-being officer; Dr. Heather Davidson, deputy chief of staff.
Left to Right: Leslie Pierson, interim director of VA Boston Healthcare System; Dr. Sucheta Doshi, chief well-being officer; Dr. Heather Davidson, deputy chief of staff.

By Adna Jaganjac

VA Boston Healthcare System earned silver-level recognition in 2025 from the American Medical Association, or AMA, as a Joy in Medicine organization.

This honor acknowledges health systems, hospitals, and medical groups that implement methods to reduce burnout and enhance doctors' professional fulfillment from patient care. Recipients meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, showcasing leadership in combating burnout.

"I'm thrilled to announce this achievement at VA Boston," said Leslie Pierson, interim director. "We're one of seven VAs recognized nationally and the only silver recipient among them. This highlights our team's dedication to reducing physician burnout.”

Pierson also praised Dr. Sucheta Doshi, chief well-being officer, for leading efforts to improve provider well-being.

Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021, according to research, but reduced to 45.2% in 2023 due to system-level interventions. Despite this, physician burnout remains higher than that of other U.S. workers, necessitating ongoing support efforts.

“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,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. “The AMA distinction honors each organization’s commitment to not only the health and well-being of the care team, but also to patients. Quality care ultimately originates from a positive and purposeful work culture where health care professionals can flourish both mentally and physically.”

Since 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized over 200 organizations. Recognition levels are valid for two years. This year, 109 health organizations earned recognition for reducing burnout. Collectively, 164 organizations are currently recognized.

“VA Boston prioritizes employee well-being through our High Reliability Organization framework, addressing clinical team inefficiencies, and supporting staff via the Colleague Support Network,” said Doshi.

An inaugural Joy in Medicine Celebratory Reception was held in Boston on Sept. 12 to honor recognized organizations from 2024 and 2025.

Learn more at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.