Urgent Care Pioneer Receives Prestigious Honor

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EY announced today that Dr. Bruce Irwin of American Family Care (AFC), the nation's leading provider of urgent care, occupational medicine and accessible primary care, received the organization's Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in the category of health care for the Southeast region.  The award recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.  Irwin was selected by an independent panel of judges and the award was presented at a special gala at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

"While this award happens to have my name on it, my success as an entrepreneur would not have been possible without everyone in the AFC family believing in our vision and following our mission of providing the best health care possible every day for the past 35 years," said Irwin, Founder and CEO of AFC.  "We have had the privilege to help literally millions of people live happier, healthier lives – and in many cases saved their lives. Surely, the satisfaction of that reality is what continues to drive us all."

Since 1986, EY has honored entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, spirit of innovation and discipline have driven their companies' success, transformed their industries and made a positive impact on their communities. Now in its 31st year, the program has honored the inspirational leadership of such entrepreneurs as:

• Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee Company
• Pierre Omidyar of eBay, Inc.
• Mindy Grossman of HSN
• Reid Hoffman and Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn
• Hamdi Ulukaya of Chobani
• Michael Dell of Dell Computer
• Sergey Brin and Larry Page of Google
• Jeff Bezos of Amazon

As a Southeast award winner, Irwin is now eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 18, 2017. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

About American Family Care:
Founded by Dr. Bruce Irwin with a single location in 1982, American Family Care has pioneered the concept of non-emergency room urgent care. With its 2013 acquisition of the Doctors Express, AFC has become the nation's leading provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine, with more than 180 clinics and 600 in-network physicians caring for nearly 3 million patients a year. Ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., AFC's stated mission is to provide the best healthcare possible, in a kind and caring environment, while respecting the rights of all patients, in an economical manner, at times and locations convenient to the patient. For more information, visit www.AmericanFamilyCare.com.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Entrepreneur Of The Year®, founded by EY, is the world's most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

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This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization that provides services to clients in the US. For more information, please visit ey.com.

SOURCE American Family Care