1. Using a systematic approach, identify two or three viable career options for emergency physicians that expand the practice of acute, unscheduled care.
2. Support the implementation of prioritized new high-value practice models.
3. Develop an institutional framework that will support the creation of innovative models going forward.[/sidebar]

Drs. Ford and Langille are both eager to take on leadership roles within their perspective communities. They wanted to attend the course so they could learn firsthand and then go back and share the helpful information with their colleagues.

Like most residents, Dr. Langille is concerned about the future of the EM workforce. He viewed the Indy Class content through that lens, absorbing lessons he could take back to share with his fellow residents.

“I’m so glad ACEP is doing this because we need to have more young physicians in the know about small but democratic groups and how to run those effectively,” Dr. Langille said. “Emergency medicine has been largely changed by our predecessors and it’s going to continue to shape and change. I want to make sure that I’m at the forefront of that. I think ACEP is actually cultivating that by having young physicians come in and get exposure to [the Indy Class], especially residents like myself.”

Dr. Ford views being part of a small group as a lifestyle decision. He wants to learn everything he can about managing an independent group so he can help his group succeed and preserve his way of life for many years to come.

“I really believe in the small group,” said Dr. Ford. “When I’m happy at my job and I feel fulfilled at my job and I feel like I have some control over my job, I feel like I’m better at all those things in life. So not only is it helping me personally, but it’s helping the lives I touch and the ones I see every day, like my family and the thousands of patients I take care of every year.”

Jordan Grantham is senior content manager at ACEP.