From addressing overwhelming administrative burdens to fostering work-life balance, initiatives aimed at reducing stress and improving mental health are central to improving physician well-being. By prioritizing these changes, innovative and forward-looking health systems show their dedication to helping physicians thrive and regain joy in medicine.
“Physicians are humans caring for other human beings, strained by factors beyond their control and challenged by the enormous expectations placed on them to continuously deliver high quality, compassionate care. There is no doubt change is needed, but what needs to change is not the doctors,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, MD. “A national movement is gaining momentum to transform health care work systems and fix the root causes of physician burnout.”
Through their ongoing efforts to reduce physician burnout and enhance well-being, 62 health care organizations—representing more than140,000 physicians—are being honored this year by the AMA’s Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program. These organizations join a strong cohort of 72 currently recognized health systems from 2023 that represent more than 230,000 physicians. This 2024 recognition represents the outstanding efforts these organizations have initiated to address the systemic causes of physician burnout in areas such as commitment, assessment, leadership, teamwork, peer support and practice-environment efficiency.
In a profession where compassion fatigue and emotional exhaustion are all too common, these health care organizations stand out for developing innovative strategies to support their physicians' mental, emotional and professional well-being. Their leadership sets a new standard for health care, one where physician well-being is viewed as essential to improving patient care and ensuring the future strength of the medical workforce.
“Health organizations that have earned the AMA’s Joy in Medicine recognition are leading this movement with bold visions for redesigned clinical systems to foster professional well-being and support quality care,” Dr. Scott said.
Each year, the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program recognizes organizations from across the country for their dedication to building well-being and reducing physician burnout in their organization. Recognition levels are valid for two years and organizations are supported and encouraged to increase their recognition level over time.
In 2019—the program’s inaugural year—the AMA honored 22 organizations’ commitment to cutting doctor burnout. The program was paused in 2020 as the country first grappled with the COVID-19 public health emergency. After that pause, the AMA recognized 44 health systems in 2021 that stepped up as COVID-19 strained the nation’s doctors. Meanwhile, 28 organizations were recognized in 2022, all receiving Bronze-level recognition. These organizations are becoming a network for thought leadership, shared learnings and change agency through AMA-convened events.
As the leader in physician well-being, the AMA is reducing physician burnout by removing administrative burdens and providing real-world solutions to help doctors rediscover the Joy in Medicine™.
Remaining committed to well-being
While the alarming rates of physician burnout are beginning to decline, dropping below 50% for the first time since 2020, the fight is far from over. Continued efforts are still needed to address the root causes of physician burnout and ensure that physicians receive the support they need to thrive.
“The goal of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is to equip health systems with evidence-informed strategies that promote physician well-being,” said Christine Sinsky, MD, AMA vice president of professional satisfaction. “Reducing burnout requires health system leaders to invest in systems-based solutions that provide resources to match the demands placed on physicians.
“There is so much health systems can do to improve physician well-being while also improving patient care,” Dr. Sinsky added. “We designed the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program to provide leaders with an actionable road map to solutions that will help physicians and patients thrive.”
There are three levels of recognition in the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
This year, one federally qualified health center received gold: El Rio Health. Meanwhile, 12 health systems earned Silver level recognition. They are:
- Bayhealth.
- Dayton Children's Hospital.
- Endeavor Health Edward Hospital & Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital.
- Jefferson Health.
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital and Children's Wisconsin.
- MyMichigan Health.
- Northwell Health.
- Oak Street Health.
- Samaritan Health Services.
- St. Luke's Health System.
- Sutter Independent Physicians.
- UMass Memorial Health.
Find out which organizations earned bronze-level recognition from the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program.
Additionally, among those recognized in 2024 are ten organizations that are members of the AMA Health System Program, which provides enterprise solutions to equip leadership, physicians and care teams with resources to help drive the future of medicine. They are:
- Atlantic Health System.
- Bayhealth.
- Hattiesburg Clinic.
- Henry Ford Health.
- Lehigh Valley Health Network.
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group.
- Northwest Permanente.
- Sutter Health and Sutter Independent Physicians.
- Texas Children’s Pediatrics.
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Read this Viewpoint article published in JAMA®to find out how programs such as the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition can be a mark of distinction and an incentive for health care organizations to do more.
Applications for 2025 recognition will open on Jan. 10 and close March 7. Interested organizations will need to submit an intent-to-apply form to get additional information and updates.
Health care organizations are also invited to attend an informational webinar on Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. CST to learn more about the Joy in Medicine program.
There will also be eight informal virtual drop-in hours for applicants to discuss the program with AMA staff and ask questions about the 2025 application. The drop-in hours are:
- Nov. 12, 1–2 p.m. CST.
- Dec. 4, 10–11 a.m. CST.
- Dec. 12, 10–11 a.m. CST.
- Jan. 16, 2–3 p.m. CST.
- Jan. 22, 12–1 p.m. CST.
- Jan. 28, 9–10 a.m. CST.
- Feb. 13, 2–3 p.m. CST.
- Feb. 26, 10–11 a.m. CST.
For more information on the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, email the AMA’s Practice Transformation team.
