Protecting the Future of Emergency Medicine
The American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) established its Foundation with a clear mission:
- Advancing Education and Access to Emergency Medical Care—ensuring every patient receives the care they deserve.
- Defending the Rights of Patients and Physicians—safeguarding the ability of emergency physicians to provide ethical, patient-centered care.
This mission drives every action we take, including funding impactful litigation, advocating for physician autonomy, and championing cases that serve the public good.
Why the AAEM Foundation’s Work Matters
Emergency medicine is at a crossroads. Across the country, corporate interests threaten to compromise the physician-patient relationship, prioritizing profits over people. These harmful practices jeopardize patient care and undermine the independence of emergency physicians.
Without organizations like AAEM, no one is left to hold these corporations accountable. AAEM is the only emergency medicine organization standing up to protect the heart of our profession: the ethical delivery of care.
A Landmark Victory: Envision Healthcare Exits California
The AAEM Foundation’s impact is clear. In 2021, the AAEM-Physician Group, a subsidiary of AAEM, filed a lawsuit against Envision Healthcare Corporation in California. The case sought to block a corporate takeover of an independent emergency department contract—where the stakes were alarmingly high:
- Lay influence on critical medical decisions.
- Control over fees charged to patients.
- Kickbacks for referrals.
- Unethical restrictions on the ability of physicians to practice medicine.
In a monumental victory, Envision Healthcare has withdrawn from all operations in the State of California. This win not only preserved physician independence but also sent a strong message nationwide: unethical corporate practices will not go unchallenged.
How Your Support Fuels Change
The fight doesn’t stop here. Challenges to ethical emergency medicine persist across the country, and we need YOUR HELP to continue this vital work. Your donation to the AAEM Foundation allows us to:
- Fund litigation to protect physician rights and patient care.
- Advocate for policies that preserve the integrity of the physician-patient relationship.
- Educate physicians and the public on the importance of access to ethical emergency medical care.
By standing with AAEM, you’re not just supporting a cause—you’re making an investment in the future of emergency medicine and the rights of every patient and physician.
Be part of the movement to protect what matters most—patients, physicians, and the future of emergency medicine.
Other Ways to Donate
Mail donations to:
AAEM Foundation
555 E Wells St #1100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Many employers offer matching gift programs. Check with your employer to see if they will match partial or your full contribution!
Gifts at all levels can be given in honor of or in memory of a program director, mentor, and/or colleague. Notification of gifts made in honor or in memory will be sent to the honoree or their family and listed in our Annual Report.
The AAEM Foundation gratefully accepts IRA distributions, contributions through donor-advised funds, planned gifts, and bequests. Please reach out to Missy Zagroba, Executive Director, with any questions or to make arrangements.
AAEM Foundation Levels of Giving
Your generosity fuels the fight for ethical emergency medicine. By giving to the AAEM Foundation, you join a community of supporters dedicated to protecting patients and empowering physicians. Choose your level of impact:
- $1,000 and Greater
- $500-$999
- $250-$499
- $100-$249
- $50-$99
Donors will receive recognition in Common Sense throughout the year they contributed to the Foundation. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may do so. Levels are determined annually based upon a calendar year.
More About the AAEM Foundation
The AAEM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
EIN: 20-2080841
To recognize those who provide financial support to the AAEM Foundation, the board of directors agreed to establish levels of recognition. Contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible.
Contact the AAEM office with any questions at info@aaem.org or 800-884-2236.