UM Health-Sparrow earned a national recognition for supporting its workers and efforts to reduce clinician burnout.

The American Medical Association (AMA) named the Lansing-based health system among 92 organizations nationwide to receive its 2026 Joy in Medicine recognition on Wednesday, Oct. 7. UM Health-Sparrow received bronze-level recognition, valid through 2027, according to Medical Economics’ recipient list.

The designation matters beyond the hospital walls. AMA data from 2024 and 2025 show that physicians at recognized organizations report lower burnout, higher job satisfaction and lower intent to leave compared with peers at non-recognized systems. Health system leaders said burnout can affect the quality of care patients receive and drive high employee turnover, according to WILX News 10.

Chandu Vemuri, chief medical officer of UM Health-Sparrow Lansing, said in WILX’s report that the health system's support takes several forms. He described spaces for rest and decompression, events that help staff build relationships and teams, and opportunities for financial counseling.

"Sometimes that's facilities, giving them a space to have a quiet space to rest or to decompress," Vemuri said. "And sometimes it's having events that either create opportunities for relationship and team building or address concerns they have …"

The Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program, launched in 2019, is based on six areas: assessment, commitment, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, leadership and support. The AMA reviews and verifies evidence submitted by each organization. Of the 92 organizations recognized for 2026-27, 39 were first-time recipients, bringing the program's total to 194 organizations in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Twenty-one earned gold, 11 earned silver and 60 earned bronze, according to Medical Economics.

AMA President Willie Underwood III said in an official statement that supporting physician well-being leads to safer, higher-quality patient care. He said the recognized organizations are investing in workplaces that help physicians deliver compassionate care.

UM Health-Sparrow was one of four Michigan organizations recognized, according to Medical Economics. Henry Ford Health and Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital and Trinity IHA each earned silver. MyMichigan Health also received bronze.