Organizations Receive Distinction for Fostering a Culture of Support for Physicians and Clinicians
Froedtert ThedaCare and the Medical College of Wisconsin have earned gold-level recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as Joy in Medicine organizations. Awarded by the AMA, the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program honor reflects these organizations’ commitment to physicians’ and clinicians’ well-being.
The AMA shares this recognition is awarded only to health systems, hospitals and medical groups that prioritize job satisfaction, professional fulfillment and reductions in burnout through proven strategies. Organizations earning this recognition are considered leaders in nationwide efforts to transform healthcare work systems and support the needs of caregivers in the workplace.
“Froedtert ThedaCare and the Medical College of Wisconsin are honored to receive this distinction from the AMA Joy in Medicine program in recognition of our dedication towards advancing physician well-being,” said Ian Schwartz, MD, chief clinical officer, Froedtert ThedaCare, and senior associate dean, Medical College of Wisconsin. “Through our partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin, we have created workplaces where physicians, clinicians and team members can feel supported and thrive professionally while delivering exceptional patient care. Froedtert ThedaCare remains committed to ensuring physician well-being, inspiring each person to live their unique, best life.”
“We have made significant strides in prioritizing the mental health and well-being of our physicians and clinicians. We are honored to be recognized by the AMA for our ongoing work to reduce burnout and help our care teams rediscover the deeply rewarding call to care for patients,” said Kimberly Gecsi, MD, chief medical officer, specialty practice and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. “This distinction speaks to Froedtert ThedaCare and the Medical College of Wisconsin’s commitment to our team members – and our patients. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where patients can receive high-quality care in a manner that is supportive of patients and care teams alike.”
Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 250 organizations across the country. In the 2026-2027 recognition cycle, just 21 organizations across the country earned gold-level recognition.
To attain gold-level recognition, organizations must meet certain criteria. Gold-level requirements include interventions that aim to improve physician practice environments, enhance collaboration between clinical teams, track and analyze satisfaction and offer leadership development opportunities, amongst others. Awardees who demonstrate success in these areas are selected by a committee composed of national leaders in physician well-being.
Froedtert ThedaCare and the Medical College of Wisconsin have collaborated on multiple initiatives to improve well-being and create supportive work environments, including joint efforts to build connection and community across clinical teams. Such programs include the Thrive Together Well-Being Awards, a grant program that has provided funds to 37 clinical teams across our organizations to create opportunities for colleagues to connect, build relationships and strengthen their community. Froedtert ThedaCare and the Medical College of Wisconsin have also worked together to improve clinical work environments, optimizing administrative processes with technology upgrades and adjusted workflows.
Froedtert ThedaCare and the Medical College of Wisconsin value their partnership and look forward to continued collaboration on efforts to prioritize and expand upon systemwide strategies, supporting well-being, professional development and job satisfaction.
About Froedtert ThedaCare
Froedtert ThedaCare is an integrated healthcare system serving nearly half of Wisconsin’s population. Its 28,000+ team members, physicians and clinicians are transforming communities through prediction, prevention and partnerships with excellence in primary and specialty care in 20 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations. Together with the Medical College of Wisconsin, we form the region’s only academic medical center, providing the foundation for groundbreaking medical research and excellence in education to accelerate discovery and drive innovation. The system is uniquely positioned to be the trusted partner in advancing the health of our communities.
About the Medical College of Wisconsin
With a history dating back to 1893, the Medical College of Wisconsin is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research, and community engagement. More than 1,700 students are enrolled in MCW’s medical, graduate and pharmacy schools at campuses in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Central Wisconsin. MCW’s School of Pharmacy opened in 2017. A major national research center, MCW ranks in the top 4% of U.S. research institutions (InCites Essential Science Indicators Dataset), is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and is the largest private research institution in Wisconsin. Annually, our faculty direct or collaborate on more than 5,100 research studies, including clinical trials. In the last 10 years, MCW faculty have received nearly $2 billion in external support for research, teaching, training, and related purposes. Additionally, our more than 1,900 physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine, annually fulfilling more than 5.7 million patient visits.
Date posted: October 9, 2026