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 be included in the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine™ for health care organizations nationwide,” said Debbie Hayes, President and CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network. “The health and well-being of our clinicians is a top priority across our healthcare network. We are dedicated to doing everything it takes to combat stressors and the potential burnout of our team members.”

After peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic, the national 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.

“At The Christ Hospital Health Network, the mantra “everything it takes” must include supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all of our team members,” said Mark Manley, MD, Medical Staff President at The Christ Hospital Health Network. “Our medical staff is made up of some of the best in the healthcare industry and the overall wellbeing of our providers remains a top priority to a make sure we continue to acquire talented individuals to build our award-winning care.”

“As hospital systems evolve in caring for our patients, we must also evolve in prioritizing the care and well-being of our physicians and providers,” said Jennifer Manders, MD, Immediate Past President of the Medical Staff at The Christ Hospital Health Network. “This honor acknowledges our hard work in creating a supportive system, while attempting to limit burnout.”

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.

“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,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “There is no doubt change is needed, but what needs to change is not the doctors. 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 Christ Hospital Health Network was also one of just four systems in Ohio to be named to the All In: Wellbeing First Champions Challenge that has removed mental health questions from physician applications. Wellbeing First Champions empower health workers to get the mental health support they might need without fear of stigma or repercussions. The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation works to reduce burnout of health care professionals and safeguard their well-being and job satisfaction.

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

About The Christ Hospital Health Network

The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For more than 130 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up for more than 1,300 physicians and more than 6,500 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 hospital in the Cincinnati Region, named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2024.