Endeavor Health Medical Group recognized by American Medical Association for promoting physician wellbeing

EVANSTON, Ill., - Endeavor Health Medical Group has been recognized by the American Medical Association for its efforts to promote physician wellbeing and prevent burnout, earning a silver-level distinction in the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program.

The 2026-2027 Joy in Medicine silver recognition for Endeavor Health Medical Group marks the first time the organization has earned the distinction across its unified system. This achievement represents a milestone in Endeavor Health coming together as one organization, building on previous recognition achieved by Endeavor Health Edward Hospital and Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital, to align best practices and elevate wellbeing standards across the Medical Group.

"It's so important to take care of the people who take care of others and keep our communities healthy," said Endeavor Health Chief Physician Executive Sanjeeb Khatua, MD. "We are building an environment where physicians and APPs can thrive, find meaning and joy in their work, and feel supported. The Joy in Medicine framework provides an evidence-based roadmap for that work, and our physicians and APPs provide the voice that will guide us."

Over the past five years, Endeavor Health has launched more than 250 wellbeing initiatives and built an effective Wellbeing & Vitality program designed to support physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), and team members through moments of stress, burnout, grief and workplace trauma. For example, a physician peer support program offers secure, compassionate support for physicians during times of stress and following adverse events. Physicians also have access to Vitality Navigators who connect them with psychiatrists and therapists who can provide confidential support, as well as the Resilience in Stressful Events (RISE) team, a rapid-response group of diverse healthcare professionals trained in critical incident response that support team members after traumatic events.

Endeavor Health is also investing in technology, including ambient AI documentation, to help physicians spend more doing what they love - connecting with their patients - and less time entering notes into a computer. An early pilot resulted in a 63% improvement in work satisfaction, a 51% reduction in cognitive load and a 30% reduction in burnout, and the program has now been scaled to more than 1,000 physicians and APPs.

The Joy in Medicine program evaluates organizations across six domains that contribute to wellbeing: assessment, commitment, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, leadership and support. These domains provide an evidence-based framework for examining not only individual wellbeing, but the organizational conditions and practice environment that shape the experience of physicians and care teams. Silver recognition reflects the foundation already in place while providing a roadmap for the work ahead.

"Supporting physician well-being helps create better care for everyone," said AMA President Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH. "Studies show that when physicians are supported, patients benefit from safer care, higher quality, and a better overall experience. Organizations recognized by the Joy in Medicine Program are leading the way by investing in workplaces that support physicians and help them deliver compassionate, high-quality care. The AMA is proud to honor these leaders for their commitment to physician well-being and healthier communities."

The prestigious recognition from the country's leading physician association honors 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 healthcare work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams. Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program recognition levels are valid for two years.