MemorialCare Fights Burnout With AI, Redefining Joy in Medicine

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA – December 18, 2025 – For the second consecutive year, MemorialCare Medical Group has been recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) with the prestigious Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Award. This distinction places the Southern California organization among an elite group of just 18 in the state and 109 nationwide celebrated for their leadership in combating physician burnout. The award highlights a proactive and successful strategy against a crisis that affects nearly half of U.S. doctors, threatening not only their well-being but also patient safety and the stability of the nation's healthcare infrastructure.

The Anatomy of a Crisis: Physician Burnout's National Impact

Physician burnout is more than just professional fatigue; it is a full-blown public health crisis with staggering consequences. While rates have slightly improved from a pandemic peak of 62.8% in 2021, a 2023 AMA study found that 45.2% of physicians still report at least one symptom of burnout—a rate significantly higher than that of the general U.S. workforce. The primary driver, cited by 61% of physicians in a recent Medscape report, is the overwhelming burden of bureaucratic tasks and administrative paperwork.

The economic toll is immense. Research estimates that physician burnout costs the U.S. healthcare system approximately $4.6 billion annually, a figure driven largely by physician turnover and reduced clinical hours. Replacing a single physician can cost an organization anywhere from $800,000 to over $1.3 million, factoring in recruitment, training, and lost productivity. Beyond the balance sheet, the human cost is even more severe. Studies have consistently linked physician burnout to higher rates of medical errors, lower patient satisfaction scores, and an increased risk of hospital-acquired infections. When physicians are exhausted and demoralized, the quality of care invariably suffers, eroding patient trust and compromising outcomes.

A Blueprint for Well-Being: Inside the Joy in Medicine™ Award

In response to this escalating crisis, the AMA established the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program in 2019. The program provides a strategic framework for healthcare organizations to create environments where physicians can thrive. Earning the award is no simple feat; it requires a demonstrated, long-term commitment to systemic change across six key domains: Assessment, Commitment, Efficiency of Practice Environment, Teamwork, Leadership, and Support.

Organizations must prove they are actively measuring physician well-being with validated tools, have executive-level buy-in for wellness initiatives, are actively improving practice efficiency, and foster a culture of teamwork and peer support. Recognition is granted for a two-year period, demanding that honorees maintain and build upon their efforts to retain the distinction. MemorialCare's second consecutive award signals a sustained and deeply integrated commitment to this cause.

“Physician burnout is one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today, and addressing it is essential to supporting the clinicians at the forefront of health care delivery,” said Ghe Rosales-Vong, M.D., co-medical director for physician wellness at MemorialCare Medical Group. “This recognition reflects our commitment to creating an environment where our physicians can thrive, so they can continue doing the work they love without sacrificing their own well-being.”

The AI Advantage: Technology as a Tool for Joy

A cornerstone of MemorialCare’s award-winning strategy is its forward-thinking adoption of technology to directly attack the administrative overload plaguing physicians. The organization has implemented Abridge, an advanced AI-powered platform that automates one of the most time-consuming tasks in medicine: clinical documentation.

With patient consent, Abridge securely records, transcribes, and analyzes conversations between clinicians and patients. Using generative AI, it then creates structured, accurate clinical note drafts—such as SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) notes—in real-time. These drafts are integrated directly into the electronic medical record (EMR), drastically reducing the time physicians spend typing and clicking. For many, this has nearly eliminated “pajama time”—the hours spent after work catching up on documentation.

The impact is significant. Independent research from KLAS, a leading healthcare IT analyst firm, has validated the effectiveness of such tools, with Abridge earning top rankings for its ability to improve both the clinician and patient experience. By shouldering the documentation burden, the AI allows physicians to give their undivided attention to the person in front of them, fostering better communication and strengthening the doctor-patient relationship. This shift frees up valuable time and mental energy, allowing clinicians to focus on their primary mission.

Beyond the Algorithm: A Culture of Connection and Support

While technology is a powerful tool, MemorialCare’s approach is decidedly holistic, recognizing that well-being extends far beyond workflow efficiency. The organization has cultivated a supportive culture that prioritizes connection, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose. This is exemplified by initiatives like the formation of a running team, where staff bond outside the clinic walls while raising funds for MemorialCare’s Miller Children's & Women's Hospital. These activities build camaraderie and provide healthy outlets for stress.

This comprehensive strategy targets both the professional and personal aspects of a physician's life. “By focusing on physician well-being inside and outside of work and reconnecting physicians to their mission—truly taking care of patients rather than paperwork —we improve quality of life for our physicians and ensure our patients receive the best care possible,” stated Leah Phan, D.O., co-medical director for physician wellness at MemorialCare Medical Group. “This recognition underscores our commitment to a culture of wellness.”

This sentiment is echoed at the national level. “Joy in Medicine organizations are leading the gains made against the physician burnout crisis and help clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that come from helping patients,” said Bobby Mukkamala, M.D., president of the American Medical Association. He emphasized that quality care originates from a positive work culture where healthcare professionals can flourish. By successfully integrating high-tech solutions with high-touch cultural initiatives, MemorialCare provides a replicable blueprint for other health systems, proving that investing in the well-being of physicians is a direct and essential investment in the health of patients.