American Medical Association honors Reid Health for commitment to well-being of care teams

Sept. 3, 2025 -- For the second time, Reid Health has earned national recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine^® organization. Reid is one of only four healthcare providers in Indiana to be chosen for the award.

The prestigious designation from the country's leading physician association honors health systems, hospitals, and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of providers that comes from patient care.

Organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leaders in the national effort to transform healthcare work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams.

"At Reid Health, we want our physicians to feel supported, empowered, and appreciated," said Emergency Medicine Physician Jennifer Bales, MD, Chair of Reid's Physician Engagement and Resilience Committee.

"The health and well-being of our physicians directly impacts the health and well-being of our patients. We know physicians who are 'well' and can appreciate the 'Joy in Medicine' will be more successful at helping our patients feel well and see the joy in life."

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 for other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.

Reid Health's Physician Engagement and Resilience Committee is designed to keep the needs of physicians in focus. The committee monitors the well-being and satisfaction at work of Reid caregivers, plans provider community events, provides burnout support and resources, and works to address sources of friction in the typical healthcare workday.

"Joy in Medicine-recognized organizations are leading the gains made against the physician burnout crisis and help clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that comes from helping patients," said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD.

"The AMA distinction honors each organization's commitment to not only the health and well-being of the care team, but also to patients. Quality care ultimately originates from a positive and purposeful work culture where healthcare professionals can flourish both mentally and physically."

"At Reid Health, we want our physicians to feel supported, empowered, and appreciated. The health and well-being of our physicians directly impacts the health and well-being of our patients. We know physicians who are 'well' and can appreciate the 'Joy in Medicine' will be more successful at helping our patients feel well and see the joy in life." -- Jennifer Bales, MD, Chair of Reid Health's Physician Engagement and Resilience Committee

Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has acknowledged 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 total to 164.

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