Huntington Health honored by American Medical Association for commitment to physician well-being

Huntington Health is pleased to announce it has earned the 2025 bronze-level recognition from the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program. This prestigious distinction honors health care organizations that reduce physician burnout and cultivate the fulfillment that comes from patient care. Organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the program are leaders in the national effort to transform health care and address the root causes of burnout among care teams.

“Being recognized for taking care of our physicians’ well-being is a great honor that I share with the Physician Executive Wellness Steering Committee members,” said David Ulick, MD, emergency medicine, and Huntington Physician Executive Wellness Steering Committee (PEWSC) chair. “I would like to say a big thank you to my entire PEWSC team for their tireless work and to all of the physicians and leaders for championing this important cause. Reducing burnout and promoting well-being is twofold: It helps our physicians reconnect with the joy of serving patients, and it’s vital to delivering the high-quality care our community deserves and expects.” 

Research shows that burnout rate among U.S. physicians reached 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and decreased to 45.2% in 2023 following system-level interventions addressing burnout. Despite improvements, physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.

“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 health care professionals can flourish both mentally and physically.”

This year, 109 health organizations nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of burnout. Each demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork and support. As of 2025, only 164 institutions nationally hold this recognition.

To learn more about the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, visit: ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine