Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital along with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Are Three of 109 Joy in Medicine® Recognized Organizations Nationwide for 2025-2026
West Orange, New Jersey, September 11, 2025 – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC), and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) along with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), have earned national recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as Joy in Medicine® organizations. They were honored with bronze-level recognitions for initiatives that were developed to promote professional well-being for physicians and clinical staff.
This prestigious recognition from the country’s leading physician’s 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 work systems and address the root causes of burnout among health care staff.
Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 200 organizations across the country. This year, 109 organizations were awarded; 67 of those in the Bronze category. Recognition levels are valid for two years.
The application for RWJUH and RWJMS was spearheaded by Dr. Chantal Brazeau, Chief Wellness Officer, Rutgers Health and Odette Perriel, Vice President, Support Services, RWJUH and RegionalVice President, Support Services, Southern Region, RWJBarnabas Health. The application for CBMC was driven by Michael L. Loftus, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical and Quality Officer and Barbara Kirrane, MD Chair of the CBMC Well-being committee. At RWJBarnabas Health and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, well-being is a true priority, and the teams had full support of their executive leadership.In order to achieve this honor, both application teams focused on creating effective mechanisms for executive and medical leadership to hear directly from physicians about the challenges and opportunities in each facility, and programs to support and uplift them. The process of creating the required structures for the application was rewarding, and allowed the teams to gain a better understanding of some of the challenges and issues that may have been a barrier to well-being. Programs include those fostering interprofessional collaboration and responsive action to improve staff experience and patient care. These efforts continue to deliver positive results. Peer support programs engage hundreds annually. Events and communications about appreciation, recognition, and a shared sense of value, take place regularly.
"Our Peer Support program has become one of the most meaningful resources we offer our medical staff. Every peer supporter is thoughtfully selected and trained, not just for their clinical experience, but for their compassion and ability to connect,” said Dr. Loftus. “The beauty of our program lies in its simplicity: 'Where you are, someone else has been.' Whether facing professional stress, personal loss, or moral distress, our clinicians know they’re not alone—because they’re supported by colleagues who’ve truly walked in their shoes and can help them find a way forward."
“Our weekly Senior Leadership Rounds have transformed how we communicate and collaborate. They give frontline staff a direct voice, and leadership follows through with real change, like adding mobile workstations where we need them most,” added Dr. Brazeau. “Paired with our Culture of Kindness initiative, these efforts have created a more connected, respectful environment where everyone feels seen and valued. Whether it’s through a ‘Bee Kind’ pin or a conversation during World Kindness Day, we’re building a culture that supports both clinical excellence and human connection.”
Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID19 pandemic, according to research. But thanks to strides made to address burnout at the system level, the national physician burnout rate ebbed to 45.2% in 2023. Despite improvements, physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals. “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,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. “The AMA distinction honors each organization’s commitment to not only the health and well-being of the care team, but also to patients. Quality care ultimately originates from a positive and purposeful work culture where health care professionals can flourish both mentally and physically.”About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 44,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org