Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program

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.

• 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.

The application cycle for the 2025 Joy in Medicine Program closed March 7. Details about the 2026 application cycle are forthcoming.

Submit an Intent to Apply today for the 2026 application cycle. This will allow the Joy in Medicine team to stay connected with you. All organizations must submit an Intent to Apply to receive access to the application. 

Organizations interested in the 2026 application cycle should view the 2025 Program Guidelines (PDF) to learn more about the application process and criteria.

2025 Joy in Medicine informational webinar

Our annual informational webinar for health systems interested in applying in 2025 includes a program overview, 2025 program criteria, a demo of the application portal, and a live Q&A about this year's application cycle. Watch the webinar.

Credentialing webinar

The AMA and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation co-hosted a webinar on Feb. 5 about how organizations are addressing barriers for physicians seeking mental health care by removing invasive and stigmatizing language on mental health from credentialing applications. Watch the webinar.

Drop-in hours

These informal virtual hours are a chance to ask application questions of the Joy in Medicine team.  Drop-in hours for the 2026 application cycle are forthcoming.

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

1. Organization size

The Joy in Medicine program is intended for health systems with 75 or more physicians. As of 2025, the eligibility requirement due to size has shifted slightly and advanced practice providers (APPs) are no longer included as part of 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. If you require 1:1 support, consider the AMA STEPS Forward Mentoring for Impact program.

We also encourage you to engage with CHARM: the Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine.

Is your health system on the list?

See if your organization is part of this prestigious group currently recognized for their dedication to physician well-being.

Learn More

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.