AMA Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program

Representing the AMA's steadfast commitment to advancing the science of physician burnout, the AMA 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 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.

The application cycle for the 2024 Joy in Medicine program closed on March 8. This year’s applicants will be notified of their recognition status in summer 2024.

Interested in applying in 2025? It’s never too early to start the process! Complete an Intent to Apply form today to stay connected about opportunities, events and resources leading up to the 2025 application cycle.

Before submitting an application, health 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 AMA 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 AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, please contact us.