To kick off FCEP’s 50th anniversary year, we asked our most dedicated partners — FCEP/EMLRC Annual Corporate Sponsors, who donate $10,000 or more each year — why they choose to invest in educating and supporting the emergency medicine industry. Read on to learn not only how these companies can support you and your practice, but why they love to do so.

In 1976, before the specialty of emergency medicine was formally recognized by the medical community, West Volusia Emergency Physicians—now known as Emergency Medical Professionals (EMPros)—was founded by five “community physicians” who “filled in for emergencies.” Things were different back then, with 24-hour shifts (and nap times), and one founder, Dr. Owen Hunt, once took care of a horse in the ER.

As pioneers of emergency medicine in their own right, it should be no surprise that EMPros is dedicated to preserving and protecting the specialty of emergency medicine. “Emergency medicine is like a family—a small universe of people,” says Dr. Charles “Chuck” Duva. “Whether the individuals you work with are in the ED or the broader industry, we are all united.”

And EMPros works these organizational values of family and unity into everything they do. “The camaraderie that EMpros creates within our group is unique,” says EMpros employee and FCEP President, Dr. Kristin McCabe-Kline. “We do not just hire physicians; we hire their entire families, and they remain part of our purpose and focus along the way.”

When the pandemic began, EMPros responded by reducing shift hours so they could keep everyone employed while other companies began firing physicians to reduce labor costs. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, each EMPros medical director was empowered to adjust staffing schedules in accordance with daily patient volumes. Shorter shifts resulted in pay reductions, but no physician was let go, and all families retained access to their benefits.

EMPros is also involved in numerous charities and philanthropic efforts, supporting those who stand up for the specialty of emergency medicine. They give annually to EMLRC/FCEP and local hospital foundations, and participate in targeted community efforts, such as connecting opioid use disorder patients with medication-assisted treatment in the ED.

Every year, EMPros and DuvaSawko co-host FCEP’s most highly-attended event: Symposium by the Sea’s Casino Night. Casino Night’s annual themes and family-friendly atmosphere always result in great memories. “One of our favorite years was FCEP’s 45th anniversary in Naples with the 70’s theme,” says Maureen France. “Many leaders dressed up in costume—Drs. Seaberg and Kailes wore matching outfits and Goldfish platform boots—and Dr. Findeiss, Dr. Pattani and the entire Kailes family owned the dance floor in a costume contest dance off” (see below). ■

Learn More:

Company size: 120
Located in: Daytona Beach, FL
Function: EM physician group
Founded: 1976
CEO: Charles “Chuck” Duva, MD
Website: emprosonline.com