50 years of the Emergency Medicine Residency program

Celebrating five decades of education, leadership and community

In 2026, the Department of Emergency Medicine celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Emergency Medicine Residency program in Indianapolis.

Established in 1976, the program has grown from its beginnings at Methodist Hospital into one of the nation's largest three-year emergency medicine residency programs, with generations of graduates who have gone on to serve as clinicians, educators, researchers and leaders in emergency medicine.

To commemorate this milestone, alumni, faculty, residents, staff, advanced practice providers and friends of the department gathered in Indianapolis Aug. 28-29, 2026, for a weekend of education, reflection, recognition and reconnection.

The celebration included a special continuing medical education program at the Medical Education and Research Building and a 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala at the Eiteljorg Museum. More than 300 members of the Department of Emergency Medicine community registered for the gala, with alumni traveling from across the country to participate in the anniversary weekend.

a black and white photo of the 11 members of the 1979 emergency medicine residency class

The First 50 Years

Explore the history of the Emergency Medicine Residency program — from the development of emergency medicine in Indiana and the program's founding in 1976 through five decades of growth, innovation and leadership.

attendees in a conference room stand to applaud

CME Event

On Aug. 28, 2026, alumni, faculty, residents and advanced practice providers gathered for Airway, Breathing, Celebration: An Emergency Medicine at 50 Event, an afternoon of continuing medical education, reflection and collaboration.

Celebration Gala

On Aug. 29, 2026, our community gathered at the Eiteljorg Museum in downtown Indianapolis for an evening celebrating five decades of residency education, leadership, mentorship and friendship.

Celebrating the Past. Looking to the Future.

The 50th Anniversary Celebration honored the people and experiences that shaped the Emergency Medicine Residency's first five decades while celebrating the community that will carry its legacy forward.

Thank you to the alumni, faculty, residents, staff, volunteers, speakers, planning committee members and friends who helped make this milestone celebration possible.