The University of Kentucky College of Medicine has earned bronze-level recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine™ health organization.
The prestigious AMA distinction is granted to organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program and acknowledges the nation’s leaders in prioritizing proven efforts to enhance the well-being and professional fulfillment of physicians. The honor is valid for two years.
“We are honored to earn this recognition from the AMA as we work diligently to advance well-being across our college, health system, and University,” said Dean Chipper Griffith, MD, MSPH. “In partnership with UK HealthCare and our Office for Organizational Well-Being, our college will continue to support system-level efforts as well as expand similar initiatives throughout the college so that at UK, everyone in our college community feels seen, heard, and valued.”
After peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic, the physician burnout rate has dipped under 50 percent for the first time in four years. This is a milestone in preventing and reducing physician burnout, but continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.
“Physicians are humans caring for other human beings, strained by factors beyond their control and challenged by the enormous expectations placed on them to continuously deliver high quality, compassionate care. There is no doubt change is needed, but what needs to change is not the doctors,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, MD. “A national movement is gaining momentum to transform health care work systems and fix the root causes of physician burnout. Health organizations that have earned the AMA’s Joy in Medicine recognition are leading this movement with bold visions for redesigned clinical systems to foster professional well-being and support quality care.”
“The goal of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is to equip health systems with evidence-informed strategies that promote physician well-being,” said Christine Sinsky, MD, AMA vice president of professional satisfaction. “Reducing burnout requires health system leaders to invest in systems-based solutions that provide resources to match the demands placed on physicians. There is so much health systems can do to improve physician well-being while also improving patient care. We designed the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program to provide leaders with an actionable road map to solutions that will help physicians and patients thrive.”
Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 100 organizations across the country. In 2024, a total of 62 health systems 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. These 2024 organizations join a strong cohort of currently recognized organizations from the 2023 program.
Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.