Legacy Community Health Earns AMA Joy in Medicine® Recognition for Commitment to Physician Well-Being

Media Alert

Texas Federally Qualified Health Center receives national recognition for efforts to reduce burnout and support the professional fulfillment of physicians and care teams

HOUSTON, TX (October 7, 2026) – Legacy Community Health has earned Bronze-level recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a 2026 Joy in Medicine® organization. The recognition honors health systems, hospitals and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment physicians experience through patient care. Organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the AMA 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.

Legacy Community Health is the first federally qualified health center in Texas to receive AMA Joy in Medicine® recognition and is among only a few federally qualified health centers nationwide to earn the distinction. Legacy joins 92 health organizations recognized in 2026 for 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.

Legacy’s physician well-being efforts include the StarLIGHT peer-support program and the Well-Being Index. Together, these initiatives support the organization’s work to assess well-being, provide meaningful support to physicians and care teams, and address factors that contribute to burnout.

“Being the first FQHC in Texas to receive this recognition, and among only a few others nationwide, is incredibly meaningful. But more importantly, it reflects what we can accomplish across our organization when we work together,” said Dr. Tamisha Jones, Chief Medical Officer of Legacy Community Health. “We are transforming health care by looking beyond traditional methods for addressing burnout among our care teams. This recognition is a powerful affirmation that the work we are doing through initiatives like the StarLIGHT peer-support program and the Well-Being Index is creating a meaningful impact.”

Burnout rates continue to decline, yet U.S. physicians remain at higher risk for burnout relative to other U.S. workers. Systemic drivers such as administrative burden, staffing shortages and stigma surrounding mental health continue to affect the physician experience and contribute to the daily stressors physicians face. Continued efforts are essential to ensure physicians receive the support they need to thrive and help advance 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.”

Legacy’s focus on physician well-being reflects the organization’s broader commitment to creating healthy communities. In addition to supporting patients, Legacy invests in programs and resources that help physicians and care teams thrive, recognizing that a strong workforce is essential to delivering high-quality care.

Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine® Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 250 organizations nationwide. This year, Legacy joins only 92 organizations earning 2026–2027 recognition and becomes part of a current cohort of 194 recognized organizations. Legacy’s Bronze-level recognition is valid through the end of 2027, and the organization will be recognized alongside other members of the 2026–2027 cohort at a Joy in Medicine event held in conjunction with the American Conference on Physician Health in October 2027.

Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine® Health System Recognition Program at the AMA website.

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About Legacy Community Health

Legacy Community Health is a full-service health care system comprised of more than 60 locations in the Texas Gulf Coast region offering primary and specialty care, as well as pharmacy services. For over 40 years, Legacy has been innovating the ways we provide comprehensive, quality health care services to individuals, families, and communities in need. As the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Texas and a United Way-affiliated agency since 1990, Legacy ensures its services and programs are open to all, regardless of the ability to pay—without judgment or exception. To learn more, visit www.legacycommunityhealth.org.

Media Contacts:

Sandra Fernandez

sfernandez2@legacycommunityhealth.org

(713) 568-5604