In late August, ACEP hosted its first-ever Independent EM Group Master Class, known as the Indy Class. This course convened experts from across the country to instruct on the ins and outs of successful small group management, offering attendees the opportunity to learn more business administration while getting firsthand advice on how to face the challenges of running an independent practice group.

Organized by course co-directors Lisa Maurer, MD, FACEP, and Jamie Shoemaker, MD, FACEP, the Indy Class is one of the various ways ACEP is executing its new strategic plan, ensuring emergency physicians feel supported. A key facet of the plan’s Advocacy pillar is to provide members with more opportunities to learn about the business of emergency medicine. At the same time, the Career Fulfillment pillar is focused on tackling tough issues that lessen job satisfaction. For many emergency physicians, the growing consolidation in medicine and the lack of physician autonomy is a source of frustration. This course was created to pull back the curtain on independent group management and teach the business of emergency medicine in order to offer a viable option for those who are looking for a career outside the large group staffing models.

Like many great ideas, this one started with a few thoughts written on the back of a napkin. Drs. Shoemaker and Maurer realized ACEP did not have many practical resources to offer its members with ambitions of starting their own groups or strengthening their existing independent groups. The ideas scratched on that napkin grew into the foundation of the Indy Class schedule.

For young physicians Andrew Langille, DO, and Jonathan Ford, MD, FACEP, winners of this year’s Indy Class scholarships, the opportunity to learn from those with extensive experience managing small groups was too good to pass up.

Dr. Ford is one of the partners of a growing independent group in West Texas who wanted to learn more about managing a business. When he heard about the new Indy Class, the curriculum was just what he needed to become a more knowledgeable partner who could help his group grow during these turbulent times.

Dr. Langille is a senior resident in Tennessee who trained with a small democratic group. That experience was so positive that it inspired him to work toward starting his own independent group. For him, the Indy Class scholarship was a chance to gain necessary business skills needed to start a group while gaining access to the resources needed to work toward his goals.