American Medical Association Names Roswell Park a ‘Joy in Medicine’ Organization

BUFFALO, N.Y. — In acknowledgment of strong advocacy for its staff members and the launch of a program to enhance their mental health and wellbeing, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has been named a 2021 Joy in Medicine Recognized Organization by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Working in healthcare can present extremely demanding situations for doctors, nurses and everyone else who plays a role in clinical care. A recent AMA study shows that 38% of physicians and other healthcare workers self-reported anxiety or depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched in 2019, the Joy in Medicine distinction recognizes health systems that are committed to looking after the well-being of healthcare professionals by utilizing tools to combat work-related stress and burnout.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has placed extraordinary stress on physicians and other health care professionals,” says AMA President Gerald Harmon, MD. “While it is always important for health systems to focus on the well-being of care teams, the imperative is greater than ever as acute stress has contributed to higher rates of work overload, anxiety, and depression. The health systems we recognize today are true leaders in promoting an organizational response that makes a difference in the lives of the health care workforce.”

Last December, Roswell Park launched its Resilience Program, led by Amy Case, MD, FAAHPM, and Julia Faller, DO, MS. The program is made up of a committee of 58 individuals of all disciplines with a mission to improve the quality of life and mental health of employees. Resilience also launched and ran an intranet-based program provides resources as well as educational stories, podcasts and videos to support Roswell Park team members and help guide them to tools and strategies for taking good care of themselves.

“One of my passions is not only caring for oncology patients and their families, but also for my colleagues,” says Dr. Case, who is the Lee Foundation Endowed Chair of the Department of Palliative and Supportive Care at Roswell Park. “Caring for the caregivers, reminding ourselves to take breaks and be present, we can be strong for our patients.”

“Investing in our staff only helps to further our mission as a cancer center,” adds Dr. Faller, who is Medical Director of Perioperative Services and an Assistant Professor of Oncology in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at Roswell Park. “Resilience gives them the ability to bounce back despite adversity and improves quality of life and mental health for all.”

Roswell Park is one of 44 organizations recognized by the AMA with the Joy in Medicine recognition this year.

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Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@RoswellPark.org.