Gathering at MMC to mark the hospital’s designation as a 2026-2027 Joy in Medicine Bronze-level recipient are, from left, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Joseph Jaeger, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ken Granet, Chair of Emergency Medicine Dr. William Downs, Regional Director of Employee Wellbeing Kylee Tacopino, President of the MMC Medical Staff Dr. Vin Prabhat, and Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Erika Concepcion.
Long Branch, NJ, October 8, 2026 – Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) has earned bronze level recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine® organization. MMC joins fellow RWJBarnabas Health facility Community Medical Center, Toms River, in being named to the 2026-2027 list of Bronze-level hospitals and sister hospitals Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, who currently hold the Bronze level status.
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 of doctors 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.
“This recognition and the program’s mission of reducing burnout and fostering joy in medicine speak to our RWJBarnabas Health vision to provide patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine while delivering a best-in-class work experience,” said MMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ken Granet. “At Monmouth Medical Center, we strive to create and maintain a thriving work environment and culture of support that spread throughout the entire organization. Our respected reputation as an academic medical center attracts the best physicians to our professional staff, and we are committed to bringing their well-being front and center.”
Burnout rates continue to decline, yet U.S. physicians remain at higher risk for burnout relative to other U.S. workers. Systemic drivers like administrative burden, staffing shortages and stigma around mental health continue to plague the physician experience and contribute to the day-to-day stressors facing physicians today. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.
“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 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. The AMA is proud to honor these leaders for their commitment to physician well-being and healthier communities.”
Kylee Tacopino, Regional Director of Employee Wellbeing for MMC and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, notes that the hospital’s participation in the AMA Joy in Medicine program has strengthened its commitment to building a culture of physician well-being and professional fulfillment.
“Through physician peer support, coaching, recognition, professional development, and efforts to reduce administrative burden, we have focused on both individual support and the systems that shape the physician experience,” she said. “This work reflects our goal of creating an environment where physicians feel heard, supported, and connected.”
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.
About RWJBrnabas 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 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org
Contact: Elizabeth Brennan
Elizabeth.Brennan@rwjbh.org
732-923-5005