Lurie Children’s Hospital Earns National Honor for Physician Wellness

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago has been recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 2025 as a Joy in Medicine® organization. This national accolade highlights the hospital’s commitment to improving the well-being of physicians by implementing effective strategies to reduce burnout and enhance job satisfaction in patient care.

The AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program honors hospitals and medical groups that demonstrate leadership in addressing burnout among healthcare professionals. The rigorous criteria for this recognition ensure that only those organizations making significant strides towards transforming healthcare work environments receive the honor.

According to Bobby Mukkamala, MD, President of the AMA, “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.” This statement underscores the importance of fostering a positive work culture, which is essential for both healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.

Marcelo Malakooti, MD, MBA, CPE, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Lurie Children’s, expressed pride in the hospital’s initiatives. “The AMA recognition is a testament to our commitment to provide the resources necessary to make Lurie Children’s a great place to work for our physicians,” he stated. “We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that our physicians feel fulfilled in their practice while providing the best care for the children we serve.”

Burnout among U.S. physicians reached alarming levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, peaking at 62.8% in 2021. Recent research indicates that this figure has decreased to 45.2% in 2023, reflecting the effectiveness of system-level changes aimed at supporting physician wellness. Despite these improvements, burnout rates for physicians remain significantly higher than those of other U.S. workers, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to support medical professionals.

Lurie Children’s received the AMA recognition through its documented efforts to mitigate burnout by enhancing leadership, teamwork, and practice efficiency. The hospital is part of a select group of 109 health organizations nationwide that achieved recognition in the 2025-2026 cycle, joining a total of 164 recognized organizations when including those from the previous year.

The AMA Joy in Medicine program, which has been operational since 2019, has recognized over 200 organizations for their commitment to improving physician well-being. The recognition levels are valid for two years, signifying ongoing dedication to the health of care teams and the quality of patient care.

Lurie Children’s Hospital is a nonprofit institution dedicated to providing exceptional care for every child. It stands out as the only independent, research-driven children’s hospital in Illinois and is one of fewer than 35 in the United States. The hospital serves as a training ground for top medical professionals, focusing exclusively on pediatric care.

Research at Lurie Children’s is conducted through the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, which aims to improve child health through innovative research and pediatric medicine advancements. Additionally, Lurie Children’s collaborates closely with the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, further solidifying its role in shaping the future of pediatric healthcare.

As Lurie Children’s continues to implement initiatives that prioritize physician wellness, it exemplifies a successful model for healthcare organizations striving to combat burnout and foster a healthier work environment for medical professionals. The hospital’s recognition by the AMA is not only a milestone for its staff but also a step towards enhancing the quality of care provided to its young patients.