The headlines are the same across the state: "More hospital cutbacks, Another round of doctor layoffs."

Unfortunately, I could go on.

Meanwhile, a new problem is brewing: The growing misery among doctors, and the urgent need for change.

A recent report from the National Academy of Medicine found a staggering increase in distress among primary care physicians - soaring from 40-50% pre-COVID to 70-90% post-COVID.

This is a crisis that demands action.

The reasons for physician burnout vary, but some key issues are to blame.

Understaffing and the overwhelming amount of daily computer work are a common complaint.

Electronic medical record systems are robbing physicians of precious time they could be spending with patients.

The "Medscape Physician Report" for 2023 found that physicians are dedicating an average of 15.5 hours a week to computer work, paperwork and administrative tasks, a number that is unsustainable.

Considering these challenges, innovative solutions are needed to alleviate the strain on physicians.

This is one of the reasons I am proud to be a part of Gloria Gates CARE, a Medicaid health care initiative that prioritizes allowing doctors to focus on compassionate whole-person care rather than being burdened by administrative tasks.

To facilitate this, we have developed a collaboration with a major managed care organization that takes most of the administrative hassles out of the equation.

All our incentives are built into improving the health and well-being of our patients, which significantly reduces emergency department visits, hospital admissions and inpatient surgeries.

Proactive care is the key to healthy people and reduced health care costs.

Our approach, which includes implementing a daily patient cap of 15 and taking administration hassles out of the equation, has the potential to revolutionize the way we support and empower our physicians.

It's time for health care organizations and policymakers to take proactive steps to implement similar initiatives and address the root causes of physician burnout.

This includes investing in adequate staffing, streamlining the administrative process, and providing support systems to allow doctors to thrive.

It's time to address physician misery and build a health care system that values the individuals who dedicate their lives to healing others.

Donny Beaver is CEO/co-founder at Gloria Gates CARE in Altoona