Key Takeaways
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center earned gold level recognition from the American Medical Association's Joy in Medicine program for its commitment to reducing healthcare worker burnout and supporting workforce well-being.
- The Gabbe Well-Being Office supports faculty, staff and trainees through initiatives that promote resilience, improve workplace culture and help teams thrive.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has received gold level status from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a 2026-2027 Joy in Medicine organization. Ohio State is one of 92 health systems nationwide to be recognized for prioritizing proven methods to improve the well-being of the healthcare workforce and reduce work-related burnout. Studies show that when the healthcare workforce is supported, patients benefit from safer care, higher quality and a better overall experience, according to AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld.
"This marks the third time Ohio State has earned this recognition and its first gold level designation, reflecting the medical center's strong commitment to investing in innovative programs that support the well-being of faculty, staff and trainees," said Laxmi Mehta, MD, chief well-being leader and faculty director of the Gabbe Well-Being Office.
In collaboration with leaders across the organization, the Gabbe Well-Being Office advances strategies that help make Ohio State an outstanding place to work, learn and thrive, Mehta said. Through locally hosted initiatives such as National Health Workforce Well-Being Day, the annual Heal the Healers Conference and a grant program providing up to $2,000 for innovative well-being projects, the office fosters a culture of well-being and continuous improvement across the medical center. Some examples of recently funded pilot projects include:
- A dedicated calming space in the Medical Intensive Care Unit.
- An app utilized in the emergency medicine department to help attending physicians and residents better manage their shift work transition.
- Resilience resources for employees created by chaplaincy staff as well as an art cart for creative activities.
- Support for first-year nurses in their residency program, which includes mentorship activities and wellness-focused materials.
- Rotating activities in the breakrooms of the medical center's perioperative area and a nursing unit in The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
"These grant programs are one component of a comprehensive strategy designed to cultivate a culture of well-being, improve systems and processes, support individuals and teams through challenging times and connect people with resources that advance their personal well-being goals," said Mehta, who is a cardiologist, director of Preventative Cardiology and Women's Cardiovascular Health and The Sarah Ross Soter Endowed Chair for Women's Cardiovascular Health Research. "By taking a multifaceted approach, we are building an environment where faculty, staff and trainees can flourish and do their best work."
Since its inception in 2019, the Joy in Medicine program has recognized more than 250 organizations across the country.
