Physician burnout continues to decline nationwide, but hospitals and health systems are taking different approaches to addressing workplace stress, including changes to physician surveys, board oversight and clinician leadership training, according to a American Hospital Assocation report.
The American Medical Association’s 2025 National Physician Comparison Report found that 41.9% of physicians reported at least one symptom of burnout, down from 43.2% in 2024 and 48.2% in 2023. The findings were based on nearly 19,000 responses from physicians at 106 participating health systems and organizations.
Here are five strategies health systems are using to address physician burnout:
1. Ochsner Health prioritizes board oversight. New Orleans-based Ochsner shares physician well-being survey results with its board of directors and encourages physician leaders to address one workplace concern per year with a plan of action.
2. Northwell Health improves physician survey participation. New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell redesigned its physician survey after feedback indicated it was too long and did not adequately reflect physicians’ daily experiences. The system also promoted participation through newsletters and videos featuring physicians and executives, increasing its response rate from 50% to 77%.
3. Sutter Health reduces survey fatigue. Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter incorporated AMA Organizational Biopsy questions into its annual survey to consolidate requests for physician feedback.
4. Providence trains clinician well-being leaders. Renton, Wash.-based Providence reduced its physician burnout rate from 47% to 13% in 15 months through its Clinician Wellness Council program, which provides monthly training on identifying burnout drivers and navigating conflict. The program trains clinicians to serve as well-being leaders in the workplace.
5. Northwell Health develops action plans from survey results. Beyond collecting feedback, Northwell brings together system service line chairs to review physician survey findings and identify areas for improvement. The system also provides service line leaders with resources and a framework for sharing results with their teams and developing action plans.
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