Burlington Vt. – University of Vermont Health has earned recognition in 2025 from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine® organization, which honors health systems and other groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance physicians’ professional fulfillment. 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’re deeply honored to get this recognition from the country’s leading physician’s association,” said Sunny Eappen, MD, MBA, president and chief executive officer at UVM Health. “At UVM Health, we believe that when physicians and their colleagues are empowered and fulfilled, patient care thrives. We will continue to engage in meaningful strategies that reduce burnout and foster a culture of compassion, connection and quality in health care, and which support vital recruitment and retention efforts in our rural region.”

According to research cited by the AMA, burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. While rates had decreased to 45.2% by 2023, burnout remains a serious concern. Physicians have one of the highest suicide rates of any profession, and physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts and attention are essential to ensure doctors and their colleagues receive the support they need to thrive, in turn helping patients reach their health goals.

Reducing Burnout Through Culture and Technology

“Joy in Medicine recognized organizations are leading the gains made against the physician burnout crisis and helping clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that comes from helping patients,” said Bobby Mukkamala, MD, president of the AMA. “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.”

By leveraging both culture and technology, UVM Health is creating an environment where physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs) and learners can thrive, strengthening the care that patients and families receive. Each year, the health system asks clinicians about which administrative burdens impact their wellbeing most, and then acts on their responses. In 2023, this meant making it easier for health care teams to respond to electronic messages sent through the MyChart patient portal. In 2024, it led to the introduction of Abridge, an ambient documentation tool that has significantly reduced documentation burden, improved patient experience and cut burnout rates by half among frequent users.

"We have a looming shortage of all types of doctors, but especially primary care providers, nationally and locally,” said Rachel Krasnow McEntee, MD, chief medical information officer at UVM Health. “We are proud to have achieved Joy in Medicine recognition because it means we are listening to our colleagues' needs, raising awareness of the importance of healthcare team wellbeing, and working every day to make real improvements. While not easy, we continue this work because it is the right thing to do for our people, patients and communities.”

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.

Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.