Dignity Health Arizona Receives National Recognition For Commitment to Well-Being of Physicians

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Sept. 3, 2025) – Dignity Health Arizona has earned recognition in 2025 from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine® organization. Dignity Health Arizona is the highest-ranked healthcare system in the state, being the only organization to receive a rating at the silver level.

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. 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.

“We at Dignity Health Arizona are honored to accept this award and proud that our efforts to retain valuable physicians are being acknowledged on such a large scale,” says Heather Rabin, Ph.D., Dignity Health Arizona Senior Advisor of Wellbeing and Professional Development.“This accolade represents years of hard work and dedication to prioritizing the well being of our physicians.”

Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8 percent in 2021 during the COVID-19 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 percent 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.”

Dignity Health Arizona has achieved this through programs such as the AZ Market Physician Leadership Development Institute, which offers classes to sharpen leadership skills of physicians, free and confidential coaching sessions, a Well-Being Index,which is a survey to measure physician burnout and offer support, and a physician peer support program.

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.

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