Cayuga Health has earned the Bronze-Level Recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine® organization.
The prestigious recognition from the country’s leading physician’s association honors health systems, hospitals, and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of doctors 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 health care work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams.
This recognition reflects the dedication of Cayuga Health’s Physician Wellness Committee, led by Dr. Kenneth Subin, who played a key role in applying the AMA framework to support the focus of the work and in preparing the application for recognition. Their efforts highlight Cayuga’s system-wide commitment to provider well-being and meaningful, sustainable change.
“We are proud to be recognized by the AMA for our ongoing efforts to support the well-being of our physicians and care teams,” said Elizabeth Smith, MD, Interim Vice President of Ambulatory Services for Centralus Health. “This recognition affirms our commitment to creating a culture where our providers can thrive, deliver exceptional patient care, and rediscover joy in their profession.”
Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the Covid 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. 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.”
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.
