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 open Jan. 8 and close Feb. 27, 2026.
Prepare to apply:
1. Review the 2026 Joy in Medicine Program Guidelines (PDF)
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 (PDF). 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.
Please read the full program criteria and supporting documentation requirements (not just the criteria-at-a-glance) and consult the submission samples as you compile your application. 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 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.
3. Watch a video overview of the 2026 program
This overview includes an introduction to the program and what recognition entails, details about the 2026 application cycle and guidelines, updates to the program criteria and application tips.
4. Register for upcoming events
Organizations interested in applying to the program in 2026 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
2026 Joy in Medicine informational webinar
Our annual informational webinar for organizations interested in applying in 2026 includes a program overview, 2026 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.
2026 Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program–Informational Webinar
Jan. 12, 11–12:30 p.m. CST
Drop-in hours
These informal virtual hours are a chance to connect with the Joy in Medicine team and ask questions about the program criteria and application. Due to a high volume of applicants, we are unable to meet with organizations individually. Register for one or more drop-in hours:
- Oct. 8, 10–11 a.m. CST
- Nov. 4, 2–3 p.m. CST
- Nov. 19, noon–1 p.m. CST
- Dec. 9, 11 a.m.–noon CST
- Jan. 14, 10–11 a.m. CST
- Jan. 21, noon–1 p.m. CST
- Jan. 26, noon–1 p.m. CST
- Feb. 4, 10–11 a.m. CST
- Feb. 11, 2–3 p.m. CST
- Feb. 16, 11 a.m.–noon CST
Eligibility requirements
Before submitting an application, health systems must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Organization size
The Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is intended for health systems with 75 or more physicians. As of the 2025 program, 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.
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.
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.
