Banner Health has received recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) for its ongoing efforts to reduce burnout and support the well-being of healthcare workers. This is the second consecutive time Banner Health has been honored as a Joy in Medicine organization by the AMA.
The AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program highlights health systems, hospitals, and medical groups that use proven strategies to address burnout and promote professional fulfillment among physicians. Organizations must meet rigorous criteria to be recognized, demonstrating leadership in transforming healthcare work environments and addressing factors that contribute to staff burnout.
“I care deeply about those providing care to our community and how they’re doing,” said Marjorie Bessel, MD, Banner Health chief clinical officer. “The work we’veaccomplishedat Banner for caregiver well-being is truly legacy work for me. While I’m proud of this recognition, I know that for all of us in healthcare, the work never ends. We must constantly stay connected with our caregivers and understand what they need from us as leaders.”
Research shows physician burnout rates in the United States peaked at 62.8% during 2021 amid the Covid pandemic but declined to 45.2% by 2023 as health systems implemented measures to address these challenges. Despite improvements, physician burnout remains higher than among other U.S. workers. Banner Health reported a physician and advanced practice provider burnout rate of 36.7%, which is below the national average.
“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 it began in 2019, more than 200 organizations have been recognized through the AMA Joy in Medicine program, with designations valid for two years. In 2025-2026, a total of 109 organizations were honored for their documented efforts to reduce system-level causes of burnout and demonstrate strengths in areas such as leadership, teamwork, assessment, efficiency of practice environment, commitment, and support practices. This brings the current cohort of recognized organizations nationwide to 164; Banner Health received a bronze designation.
More information about the program can be found at https://www.ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.
Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the United States, serving about 3.5 million people annually across six states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming through its network of hospitals and over 450 additional care sites such as outpatient centers and urgent care locations (https://www.bannerhealth.com/about). The organization also offers virtual visits with all employed doctors and allows online appointment booking for many services.
