aM e R ican fa M ilY c a R e continues to gR ow with a co MM itM ent to eXcellence an D pe R sonalize D s e RV ice fo R a ll

American Family Care (AFC) has been making headlines in the healthcare industry as it expands its reach across the U.S. As a franchisor, AFC has developed a unique business model that has been successful in attracting both budding entrepreneurs and existing franchisees to join the healthcare industry and make a positive, lasting impact in their communities.

the American Family care origin story

AFC founder and CEO, the late Dr. Bruce Irwin, was destined for a lifetime in the healthcare industry. Irwin’s father was injured in a railroad accident that caused him to lose both legs before Bruce was even born. This prompted Bruce to spend much of his young life accompanying his father to doctor’s appointments where he learned firsthand about some of the shortcomings and frustrations associated with American healthcare. The younger Irwin ultimately chose to become a doctor to help people like his father.

While working in an emergency room at Brookwood Medical Center in Alabama, Irwin was struck by the number of nonemergent – yet still significant – cases that came through the door. He was equally surprised at the level of over-crowding that would often lead to patients with both lifethreatening and non-emergent conditions not being able to receive the prompt and proper care they needed.

With his medical prowess and an entrepreneurial spirit inherited from his father; Irwin decided to focus on opening clinics to handle the non-emergency cases in Birmingham. These locations would care for people who were sick or injured and needed immediate care but didn’t have life-threatening emergencies. In 1982, Irwin opened the first American Family Care clinic, thus creating a solution that would cut down on ER over-crowding and could be replicated in different communities across the country, giving convenient and affordable healthcare solutions to all.

How AFc continues to Reach new Heights

In 2022, AFC celebrated 40 years of providing urgent care, accessible primary care and occupational medicine for American families. The brand ranked as the No. 1 urgent care franchise opportunity on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the ninth consecutive year and was included on the Inc. 5000 for the eighth time. Within the same year, the brand marked another milestone by opening its 300th location in Wendell, North Carolina.

At the time Dr. Irwin stated: “We are so proud of our history and excited about our future. As we continue to expand, we will reach even more people who need affordable and accessible healthcare. We also provide more people with the opportunity to invest in their own business through our AFC franchise model which, in turn, provides jobs and economic growth to communities across the country.”

AFC is one of the nation’s fastest growing healthcare networks now with 310 locations currently open, and the company is aiming to hit 350 by the end of 2023. This is a significant milestone for the brand, as it highlights its rapid growth in the industry. One of the reasons for AFC’s success is its business model, which is recessionresistant and allows entrepreneurs to enter the healthcare industry without requiring a healthcare background. This is an attractive feature for many entrepreneurs who are looking for a way to diversify their business portfolio while still making a difference in their communities.

AFC’s business model includes offering affordable and convenient healthcare services to patients in a comfortable and welcoming environment. The company’s clinics provide a range of services, including urgent care, primary care, and occupational medicine, among others.

The healthcare industry has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, and entrepreneurs want to grow their businesses alongside it. AFC has tapped into this trend by offering a turnkey franchise model that includes everything from site selection to marketing support. This has made it easier for entrepreneurs to get started with a healthcare franchise and has contributed to AFC’s rapid growth. In fact, existing franchisees are choosing to reinvest with AFC rather than diversifying with other franchises. This just proves the strength of the AFC brand and the success of its franchise model.

According to Paige Robinson, CFE and Vice President of Franchise Development:

“We are growing our footprint with both new and existing franchisees.

Entrepreneurs want a piece of the healthcare pie. The great thing about our model is a healthcare background is not required. I should add it is a true testament to our brand that existing owners are choosing to reinvest with AFC rather than diversifying with other brands.”

the Future of Healthcare

The milestones AFC has achieved would not have been possible without a business model that is inclusive of all entrepreneurs—not just those with a medical background. The brand has not only changed the face of non-emergent healthcare, but it has also transformed the concept of healthcare as a business.

Looking ahead, AFC has limitless potential with plans to continue its expansion and growth in the healthcare industry. The company is focused on increasing its brand recognition and expanding its services to meet the growing demand for affordable and convenient healthcare.

In conclusion, AFC’s success as a franchisor is a result of its unique business model, which has attracted entrepreneurs and existing franchisees to the healthcare industry. The company’s rapid growth and big development news are evidence to the strength of its brand and its commitment to providing affordable and convenient healthcare services to patients across the U.S. As AFC continues to expand, it will undoubtedly leave a significant impact on the healthcare industry and the communities it serves.