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Texas Children’s Pediatrics Named Only Pediatric Primary Care Network in Texas to Earn Gold Recognition from the American Medical Association

News Release

The prestigious Joy in Medicine program recognizes national clinical leaders committed to improving physician well-being and professional fulfillment. 

HOUSTON, Oct. 12, 2026 — Texas Children’s Pediatrics today announced it has earned gold-level recognition in the American Medical Association’s 2026–2027 Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program, the program’s highest distinction for health care organizations demonstrating a sustained commitment to physician well-being and professional fulfillment. By creating an environment where physicians can thrive professionally, Texas Children's Pediatrics helps ensure children and families receive consistent, high-quality care. 

Texas Children's Pediatrics is the only pediatric primary care network in Texas to receive gold-level recognition in 2026, a distinction that honors organizations that prioritize proven methods to reduce physician burnout and enhance physician well-being and professional fulfillment.

The prestigious AMA distinction is granted to organizations that meet rigorous criteria and are leading the national effort to address system-level drivers of physician burnout while creating environments where physicians can thrive and provide exceptional patient care.  

Gold-level recognition acknowledges organizations demonstrating a sustained commitment to physician well-being through leadership engagement, assessment, teamwork, practice efficiency and support initiatives. 

"We are honored that the American Medical Association has recognized our unwavering commitment to supporting the well-being of our physicians and advance practice providers, who are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dan Gollins, President of Texas Children's Pediatrics. “When our clinicians feel supported, valued and empowered, they are better equipped to provide the highest quality care to the children and families who trust us with their care.” 

Texas Children's Pediatrics is one of the largest pediatric clinic networks in the nation serving children and families throughout Texas with more than 70 locations and more than 350 pediatric experts. As a growing network of pediatricians, Texas Children’s Pediatrics continues to invest in programs, resources and processes designed to reduce administrative burden, strengthen physician engagement and promote a culture of wellness.  

"Supporting our physicians ultimately supports the children and families who trust us with their care," said Dr. Sapna Singh, Chief Medical Officer of Texas Children's Pediatrics. "Earning Gold-level recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a practice environment where physicians can flourish professionally while delivering outstanding care." 

Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 250 organizations nationwide. In 2026, a total of 92 health organizations received recognition, with only 21 reaching gold this year. The award reviews competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork and support. Recognition is valid for two years, and the organizations recognized in 2026 join a strong cohort of health systems committed to improving physician well-being across the country. 

This recognition marks a significant milestone for Texas Children's Pediatrics, which previously earned bronze-level Joy in Medicine recognition in 2024. Advancing to gold status reflects the organization's ongoing investment in physician well-being and its commitment to building a culture where physicians can achieve professional fulfillment while advancing Texas Children's mission of creating healthier futures for children and women. 

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About Texas Children’s  
Texas Children's, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children's hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children's has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women's health. The system includes the Texas Children's Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children's care for communities north of Houston and Texas Children's Hospital North Austin, the new state-of-the-art facility providing world-class pediatric and maternal care to Austin families. The organization also created Texas Children's Health Plan, the nation's first HMO focused on children; Texas Children's Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children's Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that is channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children's Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org