The American Medical Association (AMA) has recognized Houston Methodist as a 2025 Joy in Medicine® organization.

 

The recognition from the country’s largest professional association for physicians honors health systems, hospitals, and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of doctors. Organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leaders in transforming health care work systems and addressing the root causes of burnout among care teams.

 

“This honor affirms Houston Methodist’s role as a national leader in physician well-being and highlights our belief that when physicians and clinicians are supported, our patients and communities receive the very best care,” said Shlomit Schaal, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president and chief physician executive, Houston Methodist.

 

Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research. But thanks to strides made to address burnout at the system level, the national physician burnout rate ebbed to 45.2% in 2023. Despite improvements, physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers.

 

According to Schaal, Houston Methodist has invested in programs that support a culture of wellness, improve efficiency of practice, and promote personal resilience.

 

“From seed funding innovative well-being projects, to building peer support networks, to advancing leadership engagement around physician experience, these efforts demonstrate a holistic approach to clinician well-being,” she said.

 

Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 200 organizations across the country. Recognition levels are valid for two years. This year, a total of 109 health organizations nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support. Organizations that earned 2025-2026 recognition join a strong group of currently recognized organizations from the 2024-2025 program, bringing the currently recognized cohort to 164 recognized organizations.

 

Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.

 

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