Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program

The Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program is designed to spark and guide organizations interested, committed or already engaged in improving physician satisfaction and reducing burnout.

Representing the AMA's steadfast commitment to advancing the science of physician burnout, this program can empower and propel health systems to reduce burnout so that physicians—and their patients—thrive. This program is intended for health systems with more than 100 physicians and/or advanced practice providers (APPs).

• Provide a roadmap (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.

Applications to the 2024 program will open Jan. 12 and close March 1, 2024. Applicants will be notified of their recognition status in summer 2024.

Organizations interested in applying to the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program should submit an Intent to Apply form to receive automatic updates on the application cycle.

Register for the 2024 Joy in Medicine Program informational webinar on Jan.16 from 12-1:30 p.m. CST

Register to attend informal virtual drop-in hours to discuss the program with AMA staff and ask questions about the 2024 application. There will be nine drop-in hours hosted from November through February. Add these drop-in hours to your calendar today:

• Thursday, Nov. 9, 12-1 p.m. CST
• Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2-3 p.m. CST
• Thursday, Dec. 14, 9-10 a.m. CST
• Thursday, Jan. 18, 2-3 p.m. CST
• Wednesday, Jan. 24, 9-10 a.m. CST
• Tuesday, Jan. 30, 12-1 p.m. CST
• Wednesday, Feb. 7, 9-10 a.m. CST
• Thursday, Feb. 15, 2-3 p.m. CST
• Wednesday, Feb. 21, 12-1 p.m. CST

Before submitting an application, systems must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. CHARM Charter

Sign the Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine (CHARM) Charter. The CHARM Charter on physician well-being is intended to inspire collaborative efforts among individuals, organizations, health systems and the profession of medicine to honor the collective commitment of physicians to patients and to each other.

2. Size of organization

The Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is intended for health systems with 100 or more physicians and/or advanced practice providers (APPs). If your organization has at least 100 physicians and/or APPs, proceed to Step 3. If your system has fewer than 100 physicians and/or APPs, please sign the CHARM Charter in Step 1 and engage with other resources offered by the AMA.

3. Assessment of physician well-being

Complete an assessment of physician well-being conducted in the last three years using one of the following validated tools:

• AMA Organizational Biopsy® (PDF) (which includes the Mini-Z)
• Mini-Z (PDF) (or single item Mini-Z burnout question)
• Maslach Burnout Inventory
• Mayo Well-Being Index
• Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index

Only after attesting to these eligibility criteria can an organization proceed to the full application. All applications should be submitted on behalf of the organization–not individual departments, GME programs or affiliated practices within your system.

If you have not yet completed a burnout assessment and would like to do so in order to prepare for next year’s application cycle, learn more (PDF) about the AMA’s no-cost burnout assessment.

Recognition is based on organizational achievement and effort in six competency areas, evaluated through self-assessment and supporting documentation:

1. Assessment: Measuring physician well-being and burnout is critical to understanding and addressing system issues.
2. Commitment: A cross-cutting organizational commitment to workforce well-being is essential to preventing burnout within an organization.
3. 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.
4. Teamwork: Effective teamwork can have a tremendous impact on the overall well-being of physicians and care teams.
5. Leadership: Leadership behaviors set the foundation of organizational culture, a primary indicator of organizational well-being.
6. Support: Cultivating connections at work is an important means to driving professional satisfaction.

If you have any questions related to the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, please contact us.