Olive View–UCLA Medical Center Earns AMA Joy in Medicine® Recognition

SYLMAR, CA: TODAY — Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (LA Health Services) announced that Olive View–UCLA Medical Center has been named a 2026–2027 Joy in Medicine® recognized organization by the American Medical Association (AMA), underscoring the County’s commitment to physician well-being as a foundation for exceptional patient care across our safety-net system. Olive View–UCLA received Bronze-level recognition in this year’s cohort.

“Physician well-being isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s core infrastructure for a health system that shows up for everyone, every day, every time,” said Dr. Christina Ghaly, Director of LA Health Services. “When our caregivers are supported, patients feel it in the quality, safety, and humanity of their care. As the safety net for the nation’s largest county, we’re proud that Olive View’s recognition reflects the systemwide work our teams are doing to reduce burnout, strengthen care teams, and keep our focus where it belongs — on patients and providing extraordinary healthcare for all.”

“At Olive View–UCLA Medical Center, this recognition is about our neighbors in the San Fernando Valley — the families who trust us for urgent care, chronic disease management, and lifesaving specialty services,” said Edgar Solis, CEO, Olive View–UCLA Medical Center. “We’ve listened to our clinicians, redesigned workflows, and invested in team-based care so that more of every visit is spent where it matters most: with patients. The result is care that’s timely, compassionate, and equitable — all rooted in community and delivered by teams who truly find joy in their work.”

Recognition programs like Joy in Medicine® affirm work already underway across LA Health Services to reduce administrative burden, strengthen team-based care, and support clinician well-being — all to ensure every patient receives extraordinary care close to home.

Dr. Pamela Dyne, an emergency physician and Olive View’s Chief Physician Well-being Officer since 2022, has helped lead efforts to improve the workplace experience for physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs). Under her leadership, Olive View has established dedicated committees focused on physician well-being, strengthened opportunities for clinicians to share feedback directly with hospital leadership, and introduced initiatives supporting mentorship, professional recognition, community-building, and improvements to clinical workflows.

“It is gratifying to see physician and APPs burnout scores improve year over year the last three years,” said Dr. Dyne. “This progress reflects our commitment to listening to our clinicians, increasing transparency, and working together to address the everyday challenges that contribute to burnout. By reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and improving how we work, we are creating an environment where physicians are supported, valued, and better able to focus on what matters most — providing extraordinary care for our patients.”

About Olive View–UCLA Medical Center
Olive View–UCLA Medical Center is a 355-bed public teaching hospital within LA Health Services, Los Angeles County’s integrated public healthcare system. The system includes four hospitals, more than 20 community health centers, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Correctional Health Services, and community programs serving as the safety net for the 10 million residents of Los Angeles County.

Located in Sylmar, Olive View–UCLA provides comprehensive medical and surgical care to communities across the San Fernando Valley and northern Los Angeles County. The hospital operates a full range of specialty services, including emergency medicine, surgery, intensive care, and behavioral health. It has also been recognized as one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals, reflecting its commitment to high-quality care for mothers and newborns.

Physicians are faculty of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, training future physicians while delivering advanced care. As part of LA Health Services, Olive View–UCLA provides extraordinary care to all — regardless of ability to pay, insurance, or immigration status.

About the AMA Joy in Medicine® Program
The AMA’s Joy in Medicine® Health System Recognition Program honors organizations that make system-level changes to reduce the drivers of physician burnout — spanning six domains: Assessment, Commitment, Efficiency of Practice Environment, Teamwork, Leadership, and Support. The program’s standards help clinical leaders document measurable progress and build environments where physicians can thrive and patients benefit.