UW Medicine has been recognized as a “Wellbeing First Champion” by ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare, a coalition of leading healthcare organizations working to eliminate barriers that discourage health workers from seeking mental healthcare, which is led by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation (DLBHF).  

This recognition comes after Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director of the Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP), and Dr. Brian Johnston, professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, partnered to revise UW Medicine’s credentialing procedures. WPHP provided consultation on credentialing best practices which focus on current impairment rather than past treatment or diagnoses.  

“UW Medicine recognizes that our providers experience health conditions, including those involving mental health and substance use disorders, just as our patients and other healthcare workers do,” said Dr. Johnston. “While no longer asking about past conditions, UW Medicine is trying to help its workforce identify and seek help for current concerns well before they become a problem or interfere with the ability to provide care.” 

To earn the “Wellbeing First Champion” badge, hospitals and health systems must take three actions to reduce the stigma surrounding mental healthcare for health workers:  

• Audit all credentialing applications and peer review forms. 

• Change any invasive or stigmatizing language around mental health. 

• Communicate these changes to their healthcare workers to assure them that it is safe for them to seek care.  

“UW Medicine has shown what’s possible when leadership, policy and culture align — reforming credentialing to support physician well-being and affirming that seeking help is a sign of strength and professionalism,” said Dr. Bundy. “This is a powerful step toward ending stigma, promoting safety, and protecting those who care for us all.” 

To celebrate this milestone designation, a ceremony was held at the UW Medical Center on June 9, 2025. Dr. Stefanie Simmons, Chief Medical Officer of DLBHF, presented the “Wellbeing First Champion” badge to Anne Browning, Chief Well-Being Officer of UW Medicine. UW Medicine joins 600+ healthcare organizations and 50+ licensing boards working to make the system safer and more supportive for health workers. 

WPHP stands with DLBHF and UW Medicine to reduce stigma and protect physician well-being through thoughtful licensure and credentialing reform. Visit the DLBHF website to learn more about becoming a “Wellbeing First Champion.”

Photo (from left to right): Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, FASAM; Stefanie Simmons, MD, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation.

Featured photo (from left to right): Elsa Kassa, CPCS, CPMSM, Director of Medical Staff Services & Credentialing at UW Medicine; Anneliese Schleyer, MD, MHA, SFHM, Chief Medical Officer at UW Medicine; Andrea Kalus, MD, dermatologist at UW Medicine; Stefanie Simmons, MD, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation; Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, FASAM; Shelley Wiechman, PhD, professor of psychology at UWSOM; Brian Johnston, MD, MPH, professor of pediatrics at UWSOM; and Anne Browning, Chief Well-Being Officer at UW Medicine.