CoxHealth has earned national recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine® organization.

The prestigious honor from the nation’s leading physicians’ association recognizes health systems, hospitals, and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of physicians. Organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leaders in the national effort to transform health care work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams.

“Like all caregivers, physicians tend to focus on their patients, rather than themselves,” says Dr. Julia Flax, CoxHealth’s Chief Population Health Officer. “CoxHealth has long had a focus on well-being, and we have embraced enhanced investments into health and resilience for our teams.”

After an extensive survey on physician satisfaction, CoxHealth’s leadership teams have invested in process improvements, new technology and mental well-being support, through employee assistance programs like Modern Health and Vital Work Life. In addition, investments in technology – including the upcoming launch of Epic as CoxHealth’s Electronic Health Record – will continue to streamline daily work for providers.

At CoxHealth, those physician-focused efforts build on a longstanding culture of prioritizing well-being for colleagues throughout the health system.

“This recognition demonstrates how much effort CoxHealth is putting into ensuring that we are a great place for physicians to practice,” Dr. Flax says. “We want our physicians to thrive in their daily work, and we will continue to advance our support for physicians so we can ensure that our region gets the best possible care.”

On the national level, efforts to address physician burnout across the industry are making a positive difference. Despite those improvements, physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers. The AMA points out that 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. They help clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that comes from helping patients,” says AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. “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.”

"We want to bring the best physicians to our region,” Dr. Flax says. “We understand the toll medicine can have on a physician's well-being. We believe our efforts provide a culture of support and offer the work-life balance many people seek. We're inviting physicians and their families to come and be part of the community and experience support for themselves and their loved ones."

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 honorees from the 2024-2025 program, bringing the number of currently recognized organizations to 164.

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

CoxHealth earns American Medical Association recognition for commitment to well-being of physicians