Joy in Medicine® Health System Recognition Program

Overview

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. Since its inception in 2019, the Joy in Medicine Program has recognized over 200 organizations across the country for system-wide efforts to improve organizational well-being. 

American Medical Association Form Placement

Objectives

• Provide guidelines for health system leaders interested in implementing programs and policies that actively support well-being.
• Unite the healthcare 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.

Application information

Joy in Medicine Program 2027 application cycle

Applications for the 2027 Joy in Medicine Program open Jan. 6 and close Feb. 24, 2027.

Prepare to apply: 

1. Review the 2027 Joy in Medicine Program Guidelines

   The Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is meant to serve as a strategic road map for organizations to support physician well-being. The first step in this process is to familiarize yourself with the Joy in Medicine Program Guidelines. Based on the outlined criteria in the guidelines, evaluate the current efforts of your organization to determine the level of recognition that you will apply for. Due to a high volume of inquiries from applicants, the Joy in Medicine team asks that you thoroughly consult the program guidelines before reaching out with questions.

2. Submit an Intent to Apply

   Submit an Intent to Apply today for the 2027 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. 

3. Register for upcoming events 

   Organizations interested in applying to the program in 2027 or future application cycles should register to attend the annual informational webinar in January and Zoom drop-in hours before and during the upcoming application cycle.

Virtual events

2027 Joy in Medicine informational webinar 

Our annual informational webinar for organizations interested in applying in 2027 includes a program overview, 2027 program criteria, a demo of the application portal and a live Q&A about this year's application cycle. This webinar will be recorded and distributed to all registrants after the event. 

Drop-in hours 

These informal virtual hours are a chance to connect with the Joy in Medicine team and ask application questions about the program criteria and application. Due to a high volume of applicants, we are unable to meet with organizations individually. Drop-in hours will be hosted Sept. 2026 through Feb. 2027.

Register for one or more drop-in hours: 

• 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

Contact information

Please reach out to [email protected] for questions related to the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program.

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