The American Medical Association has again honored Sutter Health, Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group and Sutter Independent Physicians with its prestigious Joy in Medicine™ award.
Granted to organizations that meet the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program’s rigorous criteria, this distinction recognizes the country’s healthcare leaders that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the doctors’ professional fulfillment.
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group earned gold designation for 2025-2026, which is the AMA’s highest award for Joy in Medicine™. This is a significant achievement by the medical group, which received bronze recognition in 2023. Awards are good for two years, then organizations can apply for higher levels of recognition.
To be recognized with a Joy in Medicine™ award, each organization must demonstrate competency in six distinct areas: commitment, assessment, leadership, teamwork, efficiency of practice environment and support. Their achievements are recognized at three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Continued honors through 2025 include Sutter Health with bronze recognition and Sutter Independent Physicians with silver recognition. Both continue to work towards silver and gold, respectively, through collaboration with Sutter’s Office of Well-being team and well-being leaders from medical groups and hospitals.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized by the AMA — it’s a meaningful affirmation of the work our teams are doing every day to support physician well-being,” said Dr. Todd Smith, Sutter’s senior vice president and chief physician executive. “When our doctors feel valued and supported, it shows in the care they provide. This award reflects our commitment to creating a culture where joy in medicine isn’t just a goal — it’s a reality.”
“Receiving the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Award is a testament to the commitment of Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, Sutter Independent Physicians and Sutter Health to physician well-being. It reflects the ongoing efforts to improve the practice environment, teamwork, and support of our physicians so they focus on doing what brings them meaning and purpose, caring for patients,” said Dr. Jill Kacher Cobb, chief wellness officer at Sutter Health.
How Sutter Is Turning The Tide On Burnout
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8%, according to a study co-authored by the AMA. In 2021 and 2022, Sutter formed a systemwide interdisciplinary well-being committee and local committees at most of its 20+ hospitals. Almost immediately, the system saw:
- Burnout drop from 33.9% in 2022 to 29.3% in 2023.
- Physicians who said they felt highly valued by the organization rose from 60% in 2022 to 64.1% in 2023.
- Physicians wanting more support for their mental health needs fell from 24.3% to 23.9%.
In the 2025 Organizational Biopsy survey from the AMA, which measures rates of clinician well-being and burnout, Sutter Health saw meaningful improvements across nearly all areas of measurement, including reduced burnout and increased job satisfaction.
Feelings of being valued and having a sense of belonging also both rose above national averages — important protective factors in combating stress and burnout.
Learn more about the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program here.
