Physicians from Loma Linda (Calif.) University Health and OptumCare Medical Group in Orange, Calif., have filed to form a union under the Union of American Physicians & Dentists to address provider burnout.
The proposed union would make up 900 physicians. These physicians say that the burnout they're experiencing is caused by poor working conditions, low wages, excessive workloads and unaddressed mental health needs, according to a Feb. 21 news release from the UAPD.
"How can anyone expect good quality care when executives of these two health systems show no concern for their own doctors," Stuart Bussey, MD, UAPD president, said in the release. "These doctors are at a breaking point."
"We do not believe representation by a labor union is in the best interest of the physicians of Centers for Family Medicine, or their patients," Centers for Family Medicine told Becker's. "A direct relationship with all the members of our team, rooted in a collaborative, inclusive team environment, will result in high-quality affordable care for our patients."
Centers for Family Medicine is a physician group which contracts with Optum Care.