Trinity Health Ann Arbor and IHA Medical Group Honored by AHA for Commitment to Physician Well-Being
October 13, 2026
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Oct. 13, 2026) – Trinity Health Ann Arbor and IHA Medical Group have earned national recognition as a Joy in Medicine® organization from the American Medical Association (AMA).
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.
Trinity Health Ann Arbor and IHA Medical Group achieved Silver-level recognition – one of only eight organizations in Michigan and the only one to be recognized with its integrated medical group.
"At Trinity Health Ann Arbor, we believe that being a place where physicians can thrive is fundamental to delivering exceptional care,” said Lee Benjamin, MD, MBA, Trinity Health Ann Arbor’s chief of staff. “We strive to foster a supportive, engaging environment where physicians feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to provide the highest quality care. We are honored to be recognized by the AMA alongside our partners at IHA Medical Group."
The hospital and its employed physicians with Trinity Health IHA Medical Group share a deeply interconnected mission, with physicians spanning the continuum of care, from primary and specialty care offices to inpatient hospital services, creating an environment where physicians can collaborate, thrive professionally, and provide the highest quality care to the communities they serve.
"Creating a culture that supports professional fulfillment and well-being is essential to our mission,” said Raj Deenadayalu, MD, chief medical officer, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group. “Achieving the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Silver Status reflects the intentional work of our teams to reduce barriers, strengthen physician engagement, and ensure our physicians have the resources and support they need to succeed. When our providers are well supported, they can focus on what matters most: delivering compassionate, high-quality care to the patients and communities who trust us."
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.”
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.
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About Trinity Health Michigan
Trinity Health Michigan is a leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 28,000 full-time employees, Trinity Health Michigan is composed of nine hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Livingston, Livonia, Muskegon, Oakland and Shelby, and two employed medical groups. The health system has 1,418 employed physicians and a medical staff of more than 5,748 providers. With operating revenues of $5.49 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $326.7 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 16 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents.
As members of Trinity Health, our services are connected to the national network of one of the largest health systems in the country. That means more access to experts, research, facilities, support, clinical trials and leading technology.