Overview
Representing the AMA's steadfast commitment to advancing the science of physician burnout, the Joy in Medicine® Health System Recognition Program empowers health systems to reduce burnout and build well-being so that physicians and their patients can thrive.
Objectives
- Provide guidelines (PDF) for health system leaders interested in implementing programs and policies that actively support well-being.
- Unite the health care community in building a culture committed to increasing joy in medicine for the profession nationwide.
- Build awareness of solutions that promote joy in medicine and spur investment within health systems to reduce physician burnout.
Joy in Medicine Program 2026 application cycle
Applications for the 2026 Joy in Medicine Program are now closed. Applicants will receive private notification of their recognition status in summer 2026. Recognized organizations will be announced in fall 2026.
2027 Joy in Medicine Program
Details about the 2027 program are forthcoming. The 2027 Intent to Apply form will open in spring 2026.
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Eligibility requirements
Before submitting an application, health systems must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Organization size
The Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is intended for health systems with 75 or more physicians. Eligibility is based on total number of physicians. Non-physician providers are not included in this number.
2. Organization structure
All applications should be submitted on behalf of your organization—not individual departments, GME programs, or affiliated practices within your system. Enterprise-level applications representing your whole health system are preferred. If one or more subsidiaries of a health system (e.g., individual locations or regions) are interested in applying to the program, please reach out to our team for guidance on preparing your application.
3. Assessment of physician well-being
Applicants must have completed an assessment of physician well-being in the last three years using one of the following validated tools:
- Organizational Biopsy® (which includes the Mini-Z)
- Mini-Z (or single item Mini-Z burnout question)
- Maslach Burnout Inventory
- Mayo Well-Being Index
- Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index
If your organization has not yet completed a burnout assessment and would like to do so in preparation for next year’s application cycle, learn more about the AMA’s no-cost Organizational Biopsy® and how to get started.
If your organization is not currently eligible for the Joy in Medicine program, you may still take advantage of the many available AMA STEPS Forward® resources to help inform and adopt practice solutions that support physician well-being.
We also encourage you to engage with CHARM: the Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine.
Recognition criteria
Recognition is based on organizational achievement and effort in six competency areas, evaluated through self-assessment and supporting documentation:
- Assessment: Measuring physician well-being and burnout is critical to understanding and addressing system issues.
- Commitment: A cross-cutting organizational commitment to workforce well-being is essential to preventing burnout within an organization.
- Efficiency of Practice Environment: Operational efficiency is key to supporting well-being. Workflow and technology inefficiencies–in addition to documentation requirements–play a central role in driving burnout among physicians.
- Teamwork: Effective teamwork can have a tremendous impact on the overall well-being of physicians and care teams.
- Leadership: Leadership behaviors set the foundation of organizational culture, a primary indicator of organizational well-being.
- Support: Cultivating connections at work is an important means to driving professional satisfaction.
Contact information
Please reach out to [email protected] for questions related to the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program.
