Articles from American Medical Association

CHICAGO, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Medical Association (AMA) named John J. Whyte, M.D., M.P.H., as its next chief executive officer and executive vice president. Dr. Whyte will assume operational leadership of the nation’s largest physician’s group on July 1, 2025.Dr. Whyte comes to the AMA with a background in clinical medicine, government, and the private sector. A practicing physician for 27 years, he has deep experience in federal, state and local health policy paired with a proven record of strategic management and innovation in the private sector.He served in leadership positions at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Food and Drug Administration as well as the media company Discovery Communications. Most recently, he was the chief medical officer at WebMD, the health news and information company based in New York. “Dr. Whyte is an exceptionally qualified leader who has distinguished himself across many fronts. He is uniquely positioned to lead the AMA at this pivotal time and offers a deep and nuanced understanding of the AMA’s mission, governance, and evolving role—ensuring both continuity and meaningful progress toward the association’s goals,” said AMA Board Chair, Michael Suk, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.On his appointment, Dr. Whyte said, “I am honored to join the AMA as CEO and serve all patients and physicians across the country. I have tremendous respect and admiration for this venerable, science-based organization and its important work that improves the lives of millions of people. I see significant opportunities for a strong and vibrant AMA to fulfill its core mission to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.”A board-certified internist, Dr. Whyte completed his medical degree at Hahnemann University School of Medicine, conducted his residency training at Duke University Medical Center, and earned his Master of Public Health degree in health policy and management at Harvard University.Dr. Whyte has written extensively for both professional and consumer audiences, including five best-selling books. A recognized leader during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was named one of the Top 20 Health Influencers for his public health leadership.Dr. Whyte will succeed James L. Madara, M.D., who announced last June plans to end his 14-year tenure as AMA CEO at the conclusion of his current contract.

CHICAGO, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Physician practices are facing their fifth consecutive year of Medicare cuts, with Medicare payments down 33% since 2001. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), this leads to reduced access to care for patients, with many practices eliminating staff or limiting the number of Medicare patients they see. Meanwhile, physician workforce shortages, burnout, retirements and office closures are leading to longer waits for patients to see a doctor – especially when on Medicare. The AMA says this is especially difficult for patients in rural and underserved areas.

CHICAGO, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The occupational burnout rate among physicians in the United States continues to moderate after skyrocketing to a record-high in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a newly published study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Despite improving rates, U.S. physicians remain at higher risk for burnout relative to other U.S. workers and the American Medical Association (AMA) today urged continued focus on solutions and intervention to burnout’s key causes.“The ebbing rate of physician burnout is a welcome result of the strides made since the COVID emergency to correct existing systematic flaws in health care that interfere with patient care and inflict a toll on physician well-being,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “Despite improvements, physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are needed across the health system to drive policy change, burden relief, workflow enhancement and technology improvement that are essential to fighting the root causes of the physician burnout crisis.”In the only study to regularly measure physician burnout rates between 2011 and 2023 during a span of substantial disruption in the health care delivery system, researchers from the AMA, Mayo Clinic,  University of Colorado School of Medicine and Stanford Medicine found the overall prevalence of burnout among U.S. physicians was 45.2% in 2023 after peaking at 62.8% in 2021. The lowest measured rate during the 12-year period was 38.2% in 2020. Prior to 2020, rates were 43.9% in 2017, 54.4% in 2014 and 45.5% in 2011. Each study consistently demonstrated that the overall prevalence of occupational burnout among U.S. physicians were higher relative to the U.S. workforce.“The AMA is fighting for physicians and a top priority is solving the physician burnout crisis that is driving early retirements,” said Dr. Scott. “The demands on physicians are unrelenting and the risk of reduced patient access to care is growing. To reduce burnout, the AMA is focused on immediate threats to the physician workforce and health care access, including fixing the broken Medicare payment system that punishes doctors, unburdening physicians from prior authorization and other administrative headaches, and making technology work for physicians. Our goal is a health care system that better supports physicians so we can take the best possible care of our patients.”The AMA offers physicians and health systems a choice of cutting-edge tools, information and resources to help rekindle a joy in medicine, including:

Reflects growing use of unregulated AI decision-making systems by health insurer industry

Lawsuit claims MultiPlan and health insurers operate a horizontal price-fixing conspiracy in violation of federal antitrust laws

AMA survey finds economic, patient-care impact of Change Healthcare cyber-attack ongoing

CHICAGO, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced 62 health systems, hospitals and medical groups that have earned national distinction in 2024 as newly recognized Joy in Medicine™ health organizations. The honorees join a total of 130 health organizations that currently carry the prestigious AMA distinction granted by the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program in acknowledgment of each organization’s efforts to enhance physician well-being by resolving the root causes of work-related burnout.After peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic at levels higher than ever before measured, the physician burnout rate in the United States has dipped under 50 percent for the first time in four years. Despite recent progress, burnout levels remain much higher among physicians than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are essential to fighting the causes of burnout in the health care workforce.“The physician burnout crisis that has swept across the health care workforce demands urgent action, and the AMA is proud to honor health organization that have joined a national movement to transform health delivery systems by promoting professional well-being as an essential element to meet patients’ need for high-quality care,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “Each health organization that has earned the AMA’s Joy in Medicine recognition is a national leader in this movement with bold visions for redesigned clinical systems to foster professional well-being and support quality care.”Launched in 2019, the Joy in Medicine Health System Health System Recognition Program has recognized health organizations in 35 states. Organizations that earn recognition from the program are designated with an achievement level based on their documented investment in prioritizing physician well-being. Each level – bronze, silver, and gold – is composed of six demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support. Recognition as a Joy in Medicine health organization is valid for two years.“The goal of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is to unite the health care community in building a nationwide culture committed to the well-being of clinical care teams by helping health organizations invest in action plans promoting professional fulfillment and meaning that clinicians find in caring for their patients,” said Christine Sinsky, M.D., AMA vice president of professional satisfaction.The AMA is active on every front in the fight against system-level drivers of physician burnout. Through our research, collaborations, advocacy and leadership, the AMA is working to make the patient‐physician relationship more valued than paperwork, technology an asset and not a burden, and physician burnout a thing of the past. Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.

CHICAGO, Oct. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced 72 health systems, hospitals and medical groups have earned national distinction as 2023 Joy in Medicine™ recognized organizations. The prestigious AMA recognition is presented to eligible organizations dedicated to preserving the well-being of physicians through proven efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout.“The organizations designated by the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program set a national example as leaders in a movement declaring the well-being of physicians an essential element for providing high-quality care,” said AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H. “Each organization recognized by the program is fighting the root causes of burnout in the health care workforce and creating a culture of wellness that makes a difference in the lives of physicians and the care they provide to patients.”Since its inception in 2019, the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized the achievements of more than 100 organizations nationwide. Each organization’s recognition status is valid for two years. This year, 37 organizations renewed their recognition from a previous year, demonstrating a continued dedication to the program. There are 35 organizations that earned recognition from the program for the first time. These 2023 organizations join a strong cohort of currently recognized organizations from the 2022 program.“The goal of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is to unite the health care community in building a nationwide culture committed to the well-being of clinical care teams by helping health organizations invest in action plans promoting professional fulfillment and meaning that clinicians find in caring for their patients,” said Christine Sinsky, M.D., AMA vice president of professional satisfaction.Organizations that earn recognition from the program are evaluated based on three levels of achievement in prioritizing and investing in physician well-being. Each level – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – is composed of six demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support. The achievement level of each recognized organization is designated based on evidence and supporting documentation.The physician burnout crisis demands urgent action as outlined in the AMA’s Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians and the AMA is active on every front in the fight against system-level drivers of physician burnout. Through our research, collaborations, advocacy and leadership, the AMA is working to make the patient‐physician relationship more valued than paperwork, technology an asset and not a burden, and physician burnout a thing of the past. To learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, please read Dr. Ehrenfeld’s viewpoint column.

CHICAGO, May 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced a virtual celebration to honor the newest group of medical school graduates. The AMA Tribute to the Medical School Class of 2023, featuring some of the biggest names in medicine, will take place on Sunday, May 21 at 8:00pm ET and stream live here. The event will be hosted by Mike Varshavski, D.O. (“Doctor Mike”) and feature Anthony Fauci, M.D., CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, M.D., and AMA President Jack Resneck Jr., M.D. Speakers will share words of advice, encouragement and inspiration for new graduates.