GREENVILLE, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce it has earned national recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) through its 2026 Joy in Medicine® Health System Recognition Program, honoring health care organizations that demonstrate a commitment to physician well-being and implement evidence-based efforts to reduce burnout and improve professional fulfillment. The recognition acknowledges organizations that address system-level drivers of burnout and foster workplace cultures that support physicians while enhancing the quality of care they provide to patients.
“At ECU Health, caring for our physicians is essential to delivering exceptional care for the communities we serve,” said Dr. Christina Bowen, chief well-being officer, ECU Health. “This recognition reflects the intentional work taking place across our health system to support physician well-being, reduce barriers that contribute to burnout and create an environment where physicians can thrive personally and professionally.
When we invest in the well-being of our care teams, we strengthen our ability to fulfill our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
Burnout rates among physicians have improved in recent years, but physicians continue to face challenges related to administrative burden, workforce shortages and other factors that can affect professional satisfaction and well-being. The AMA’s Joy in Medicine program recognizes organizations that are implementing meaningful, system-level solutions to address these challenges and support the long-term success of their physicians. Health systems earning recognition are evaluated on their commitment to physician well-being, leadership engagement, assessment and measurement, teamwork, efficiency of the practice environment and support resources.
ECU Health’s physician well-being strategy encompasses a broad range of initiatives designed to reduce burnout, strengthen professional fulfillment and foster a culture of support for physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs). Through the Office of Well-being, ECU Health has expanded leadership development programs, peer support and community-building opportunities, provider listening sessions and feedback mechanisms, and well-being education and coaching resources. The health system also supports new physicians and APPs through its Enhanced Provider Onboarding Experience, which provides structured orientation, leadership engagement and relationship-building opportunities to promote long-term success. ECU Health continues to recognize and celebrate provider contributions while working collaboratively across operational and medical staff leadership to improve workflows, reduce administrative burden and advance system-wide strategies that help physicians and APPs feel supported, valued and empowered to provide exceptional care to the communities they serve.
“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.”
Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized health care organizations nationwide for documented efforts to reduce work-related burnout and improve physician well-being through sustainable organizational change.