WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Novant Health’s commitment to supporting physician well-being has earned national recognition, with the American Medical Association (AMA) awarding the health system gold-level status through its Joy in Medicine® Health System Recognition Program. For the 2026 – 2027 scoring period, only 21 health systems nationwide achieved gold recognition and Novant Health was the only health system recognized as gold-level status in North Carolina and South Carolina.
The Joy in Medicine Recognition Program recognizes health systems that invest in evidence-based strategies to improve physician well-being, reduce administrative burden and create workplace cultures that support physicians throughout their careers. Organizations must meet rigorous criteria demonstrating a sustained commitment to making medicine more fulfilling for clinicians.
“Healthcare is ultimately about people caring for people,” said Pam Oliver, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer, Novant Health. “We believe physicians provide the best care when they feel supported, valued and empowered to focus on their patients. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where physicians can thrive while delivering remarkable care to our communities.”
The recognition comes as healthcare organizations nationwide continue to address the challenges associated with physician burnout and workplace well-being. Although physician burnout has declined in recent years, falling to nearly 42%, physicians remain at higher risk for burnout than other U.S. workers. Administrative burdens, staffing shortages and mental health stigma continue to contribute to workplace stress, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to cultivate healthier and more sustainable practice environments.
“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.”
This recognition underscores Novant Health’s longstanding commitment to physician well-being. Examples include:
- Programs and advocacy efforts to reduce burnout and administrative burden, including technology, innovation and research-driven policy recommendations from the Novant Health Center for Public Policy Solutions designed to support care teams, improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.
- Professional development and leadership opportunities, including the ODYSSEY onboarding program for new physicians and advanced practice providers and the Medical Team Leadership TransformX, individualized leadership program.
- Physician training and workforce development, including physician residency programs and academic partnerships that help build the physician pipeline and train the next generation of providers. In 2025, Novant Health launched a rural family medicine residency program that combines physician training with expanded access to care in communities with the greatest need.
- Efforts to foster connection and belonging, including award-winning business resource groups that help team members build relationships around shared identities and experiences across the organization.
Novant Health earned bronze level recognition in the 2024 Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, advancing gold level status in 2026, reflecting the system’s continued focus on enhancing the physician experience.
Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 250 organizations across the country. Recognition levels are valid for two years. A total of 191 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.
Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program at AMA-ASSN.org/JoyInMedicine.
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