Creating a healthcare environment where physicians can thrive takes more than individual resilience. It requires organizations to tackle the system-level pressures that drive burnout and make physician well-being a sustained priority.
Across the country, health systems, hospitals and medical groups are doing just that—redesigning workflows, strengthening teamwork and investing in cultures that support physicians in delivering high-quality patient care.
Through their ongoing efforts to reduce physician burnout and enhance well-being, 92 hospitals, health systems and medical groups are being honored this year by the AMA Joy in Medicine® Health System Recognition Program. These groups join a strong cohort of organizations recognized in 2025, including 15 that are from the AMA Health System Member Program.
There are now currently 194 organizations recognized by the program, representing 428,583 physicians. Recognition represents the outstanding efforts these organizations have initiated to address the systemic causes of physician burnout in six domains: assessment, commitment, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, leadership and support.
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, resuming again in 2021.
“Supporting physician well-being helps create better care for everyone,” said AMA President Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH. “Studies show that when physicians are supported, patients benefit from safer care, higher quality, and a better overall experience.
“Organizations recognized by the Joy in Medicine Program are leading the way by investing in workplaces that support physicians and help them deliver compassionate, high-quality care,” Dr. Underwood added. “The AMA is proud to honor these leaders for their commitment to physician well-being and healthier communities.”
As the leader in physician well-being, the AMA provides organizational solutions that help physicians and health systems optimize practice efficiency, reduce burnout, and rediscover the Joy in Medicine.
Continue investing in physician well-being
Physician burnout continues to move in the right direction. In 2025, 41.9% of physicians reported experiencing at least one symptom of burnout, down from 43.2% in 2024 and 48.2% in 2023, according to exclusive AMA data. While that continued decline signals meaningful progress, burnout remains widespread—and persistent system-level pressures such as administrative burden and staffing challenges reinforce the need for healthcare organizations to sustain efforts that support physician well-being.
Nearly 19,000 responses from physicians across 38 states were received from 106 health systems and organizations who participated in the AMA Organizational Biopsy® last year. Of the organizations who participated, 34 health systems were recognized in 2024 and 2025 from the AMA Joy in Medicine Program.
The National Physician Comparison Report is exclusive data to the AMA and the Organizational Biopsy. The report reflects 2025 trends on five key performance indicators—job satisfaction, job stress, burnout, intent to leave and feeling valued—as well as additional analysis of drivers and key findings. Download the National Physician Comparison Report (email required to access).
Recognized organizations showcase their commitment to investing in physician well-being. There are three levels of recognition in the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program: bronze, silver and gold.
This year, 21 health systems earned gold-level recognition. They are:
- Boston Medical Center
- ChenMed
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
- Cooper University Health Care
- El Rio Health
- Froedtert ThedaCare and Medical College of Wisconsin
- HonorHealth
- Nebraska Medicine
- Northwell Health
- Novant Health
- Oak Street Health
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
- St. Luke’s Health System
- Sutter Health
- Sutter Independent Physicians
- Texas Children’s Pediatrics
- UC San Diego
- UK College of Medicine and UK HealthCare
- University of Rochester Medicine
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- VA Boston Healthcare System
Find out which organizations earned silver and bronze-level recognition from the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program.
Additionally, among those recognized—across all levels—in 2026 are nine organizations that are part of the AMA Health System Member 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
- Colorado Permanente Medical Group
- Henry Ford Health
- Northwell Health
- Sutter East Bay Medical Group
- Sutter Health
- Sutter Independent Physicians
- Sutter Medical Center Sacramento
- Texas Children’s Pediatrics
These groups join a strong cohort of 15 other organizations from the AMA Health System Member Program that received recognition in 2025.
Explore how the AMA Health System Member Program works with health care leaders to tailor solutions that maximize support for physicians and care teams.
Applying for 2027 Joy in Medicine recognition
Applications for 2027 recognition will open on Jan. 6 and close Feb. 24. Interested organizations should submit an intent-to-apply form to receive access to the application and get additional information and updates.
Potential applicants are invited to attend an informational webinar on Jan. 11 at 12 p.m. CST to learn more about the Joy in Medicine Program.
There will also be 10 informal virtual drop-in hours for applicants to discuss the program with the AMA Joy in Medicine team and ask questions about the 2027 application. The drop-in hours are:
- Sept. 16, 11 a.m.–noon CST
- Oct. 19, 2–3 p.m. CST
- Nov. 18, noon–1 p.m. CST
- Dec. 9, 11 a.m.–noon CST
- Jan. 13, 1–2 p.m. CST
- Jan. 21, 10–11 a.m. CST
- Jan. 26, 11 a.m.–noon CST
- Feb. 4, 1–2 p.m. CST
- Feb. 9, 1–2 p.m. CST
- Feb. 17, 10–11 a.m. CST
Please reach out to [email protected] for questions related to the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program.
AMA STEPS Forward® offers real-world solutions to common challenges in health care today. Explore a variety of innovative, physician-developed resources designed to help prevent physician burnout, optimize workflows, improve well-being and enhance patient care.
*Bolded names indicate the organization is part of the AMA Health System Member Program.
