The American College of Emergency Physicians is a medical specialty society that was formed in 1969 to improve emergency care by setting high standards for emergency medical education and practice. The College and the specialty of emergency medicine came into being in response to the public’s need for quality emergency care. Before emergency medicine was recognized as a specialty with unique training and skills, emergency rooms were often inadequately managed and staffed. As the number of patients seeking emergency care increased, the need for change became apparent. The College was created to effect that change and make it possible to properly train emergency physicians and staff emergency departments full time, thereby improving patient care and saving lives.

Today, the College has more than 21,000 members and is the recognized leader in emergency medicine.

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