CHARLESTON, S.C. (Wed. Oct. 7, 2026)- The American Medical Association (AMA) has recognized the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) as a Bronze-level Joy in Medicine® organization for 2026.
The prestigious recognition from the country’s leading physician association honors health systems, hospitals and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment that comes from patient care. 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.
“The Joy in Medicine recognition is an important acknowledgment of the progress being made across MUSC, but it is also a framework for where we go next,” said Megan Hays, Ph.D., MUSC enterprise chief well-being officer. “It challenges us to continue listening to our physicians and our people, understanding the factors that affect their well-being and taking meaningful action to improve the systems and environments in which they work. This recognition reflects the contributions of people and teams across MUSC who are committed to making that experience better.”
Although burnout has declined from its pandemic-era peak, U.S. physicians still face a higher risk of burnout than other U.S. workers. Administrative burdens, staffing shortages and stigma surrounding mental health continue to affect the physician experience and add to daily stress. Sustained efforts are needed to provide the support physicians require to thrive and help advance national health goals.
“Supporting physician well-being helps create better care for everyone,” said AMA President Willie Underwood III, M.D., M.Sc., 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.”
At MUSC, the work to support well-being extends across the enterprise. Through its Center for Workplace Well-being, MUSC is working to create an environment that enables employees and learners to thrive, addressing not only how people are supported when challenges arise, but also the systems, processes and workplace conditions shaping their everyday experience.
This work includes programs designed to support well-being, strengthen care teams and reduce barriers. MUSC’s Center for Workplace Well-being brings together clinical and administrative experts to help employees and learners thrive. The Center promotes personal and organizational well-being and improved workplace efficiency by aligning strategic and priorities with the needs of MUSC’s people and community. As part of this commitment, MUSC has removed stigmatizing mental health questions from physician credentialing applications, helping physicians and care team members seek support when needed without fear of professional repercussions.
MUSC’s Peer Support Program offers confidential, first-line emotional support from trained peers after distressing or traumatic workplace events, including unexpected patient outcomes, workplace violence or cumulative stress.
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. This year, a total of 92 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 2026-2027 recognition join a strong group of currently recognized organizations from the 2025-2026 program, bringing the currently recognized cohort to 194 recognized organizations.
Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program at
ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.
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About MUSC
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates more than 3,490 students in six colleges and trains more than 1,175 residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in research funding from the National Institutes of Health, including National Institute of General Medical Sciences COBRE awards. For information on our academic programs, visit musc.edu.
As the healthcare system of MUSC, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding healthcare providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2026, for the 12th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.
MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $10.1 billion. The more than 37,130 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research and patient care.
