RRH receives 'Joy in Medicine' award 2025

Ridgecrest Regional Hospital won its second consecutive “Joy in Medicine” award for its commitment to improving professional satisfaction and reducing staff burnout. The first time RRH was awarded was in 2023, read article here.

RRH is also the only rural hospital recognized by the American Medical Association for this honor. 

The recognition is based on findings from the AMA's annual well-being survey. RRH outperformed the national average on nine out of 10 indicators. Among the highlights were a physician satisfaction of 90 percent, up from 74 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, reported burnout dropped from 19 percent to 10 percent, compared to the national average of 43 percent. 

“Burnout leads to reduced quality of care and a loss of empathy toward patients,” said Ziad Jureidini, the strategy and experience director at RRH. He noted that by supporting providers, that can not only enhance their interactions with patients, but boost morale and improve retention.

“This recognition underscores our collective efforts in creating a supportive clinical environment where well-being is never an afterthought,” said Dr. Hani Chaabo, director of well-being at RRH. “It's a testament to how we value our providers and strive to make RRH one of the best places for healthcare professionals to practice and grow.” 

“Being recognized by the AMA is more than an award — it reflects our hospital's culture of care and collaboration,” said RRH CEO James Suver. “Caring for our caregivers is at the heart of everything we do.”