Methodist stands apart for dedication to physician well-being

DALLAS — Methodist Health System has been recognized by the American Medical Association's 2026 Joy in Medicine program, a nationwide initiative to support physician well-being, reduce burnout, and support quality care.

Methodist is among 39 hospitals, health systems, and medical groups to earn the prestigious two-year recognition for the first time, joining 155 other organizations nationwide that meet the rigorous criteria by redesigning clinical systems to address the root causes of burnout among physicians and care teams. 

The Bronze-level honor is the first systemwide Joy in Medicine recognition for Methodist and comes a year after Methodist Mansfield Medical Center earned the same designation in fall 2025.

"Methodist prides itself on supporting the physicians on our medical staff to ensure their daily work provides the joy, purpose, and meaning that led them to this career in the first place," said Chief Medical Officer Martin L. Koonsman, MD, FACS, CPE. 

Although burnout rates continue to decline, U.S. physicians face a higher risk for burnout than other U.S. workers. AMA data from 2024 and 2025 show that physicians in Joy in Medicine recognized organizations report a more positive professional environment, including lower burnout, higher job satisfaction, and lower intent to leave than their peers in organizations that have not earned recognition.

"At Methodist, addressing physician wellness means doing more than just trying to reduce physician burnout," said Paul Lansdowne, MD, CPE, CPXP, Chairman of the Medical Staff Wellness Committee. "We're striving to create a community, a culture, where physicians thrive and can achieve fulfillment in their personal and professional lives."

Achieving Joy in Medicine status was one of the goals of the committee that Dr. Lansdowne leads, and the group will continue providing resources that support the physical, emotional, and professional well-being of the medical staff across the system.

“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, higher-quality care and a better overall experience. 

Launched in 2019, the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is based on several defined domains, each with criteria that require organizations to document concrete, system-level efforts to address the causes of physician burnout. Organizations must provide documented evidence of meaningful progress across these areas.