Our sites are experiencing 20 to 30 percent annual increases in patient volume, while 95 to 98 percent report that they are “very satisfied” with our services. WNY Immediate Care is staffed and managed by professionals from the Western New York area. As an organization, we are committed to becoming active, contributing members to the Western New York community. Customer service is the essence of our organization—we recognize that the satisfaction and care of our patients takes precedence above all else. We create an environment and experience that exceeds expectations.
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Gregory F. Daniel, MD, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Gregory Daniel brings a unique mix of skill, experience, and knowledge to the role of Exigence CEO. In addition to more than 20 years of experience as an emergency medicine physician, Dr. Daniel also has a keen business sense fostered with both real-life experience and an MBA degree. It is the combination of those skills that built the successful model that is Exigence.
Since he founded the organization in 2000, Dr. Daniel has used this model to provide a vision for the growth of the company. Dr. Daniel has personally directed a number of development efforts including successful contract negotiations with HMOs, establishment and implementation of operational policies and procedures, and the design and implementation of a partnership tract for Exigence professionals.
During the evolution of these efforts, continuous improvements to the company’s financial operations and physician and staff performance have blossomed. He has introduced numerous innovations and efficiencies, including identifying strategic expansion opportunities and the introduction of incentive structures with specific criteria for attainment and measurement.
With Dr. Daniel’s guidance, Exigence has expanded its footprint, further enhanced its reputation, and is known for strong management and fiscal responsibility. With attention to detail and an eye on the future, he has stressed the importance of innovation within the company to meet emerging client needs. The Buffalo Niagara Partnership honored Exigence and Dr. Daniel with their New Minority Business of the Year Award in 2006.
Dr. Daniel earned his doctorate of medicine and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and is licensed to practice medicine in eight states. He earned his MBA from the University of California, Irvine, and was named “Best Leader” for his class. Dr. Daniel received the 2005 Business Leadership Buffalo Niagara award.
He is a member of the board of governors for the Catholic Independent Practice Association (IPA) of Western New York, where he serves on the negotiation and compensation and utilization committees. He’s held roles in the past with the U.S. Air Force Reserves and the U.S. Amateur Boxing Federation.
Frank Lee, MD, FAAEM
Vice President of Medical Affairs
Making the connection between administration and the clinical aspects of our organization is where Dr. Frank Lee, our vice president of medical affairs, excels. Providing oversight of all clinical aspects within Exigence makes him a key figure in helping shape our future direction.
Dr. Lee quickly made a name for himself both within and outside of our organization. He was named a full general partner in 2002; three years later, as an Exigence regional director, he provided clinical and administrative expertise for our western region connections. He was named vice president in 2006.
He excels at identifying process improvement opportunities, analysis of processes, and has thorough knowledge in the implementation of electronic medical records systems.
Board certified in emergency medicine, Dr. Lee was named chair of the emergency department at St. Joseph Hospital in 2002, a position he maintains today. He spearheaded an initiative at St. Joseph’s called Project Renaissance, which has been met with high praise in the medical community. It featured the implementation of a new electronic medical records system, the first for a private ER in the region. He also led the design of the hospital’s new emergency department, which won several design element awards. The success of that effort has been measured in improvements in the patient length of stay, patient satisfaction, and increased volume.
St. Joseph Hospital recently honored Dr. Lee with the Caritas Award that recognizes outstanding service and dedication along with support to the community. He also serves on the hospital foundation’s board of directors.
Dr. Lee is a frequent lecturer to medical staffs and organizations on a range of topics related to emergency medicine. He is also certified in ultrasound. Dr. Lee continues to practice emergency medicine at St. Joseph Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Sisters of Charity Hospital, and urgent care facilities. He is also an assistant clinical professor.
He completed his residency at the University at Buffalo’s School of Medicine, earning his medical doctorate along with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University at Buffalo.
Darryl Ernst, MHA
Vice President Operations, Urgent Care Services
Darryl Ernst was named Vice President Operations, Urgent Care Services, in December 2008. In addition to managing all aspects of day-to-day operations of Western New York Immediate Care’s three sites, Mr. Ernst is responsible for leading Exigence’s aggressive growth into select urgent care and occupational medicine markets throughout the country. This position reflects a return to Exigence for Mr. Ernst, he was a Practice Manager with the firm from 2002 to 2003, then become Chief Administrative Officer until 2006. During that period he helped to expand and manage the business nationally, playing a significant role in strategic planning and business development.
Mr. Ernst served as Executive Director of Buffalo Spine and Sport Institute from 2006 to 2008. Prior to joining Exigence in 2002, Mr. Ernst was Director of a national pediatric rehabilitation health outcome and management firm. He also co-directed a rehabilitation department within a large, integrated healthcare delivery system. He has served as a clinical faculty member for University at Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions.
Mr. Ernst earned a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. He earned a Master of Health Administration from D’Youville College, where he earned awards for leadership and academic excellence.
Joseph L. Chow, MD
Medical Director, Western New York Immediate Care
Clinical superiority and patient satisfaction are of utmost concern to Dr. Joseph L. Chow, Medical Director of Western New York Immediate Care (WNYIC). Dr. Chow leads by example—he consistently receives superior patient satisfaction scores with patients oftentimes citing his compassion and care as a primary reason for their positive experiences at our facilities.
Dr. Chow joined our organization in 2007. He organizes and oversees all medical care at the newest WNYIC facility in Orchard Park, NY.
Dr. Chow is board certified in family practice medicine. He is certified in advanced cardiac life support, advanced trauma life support and pediatric advanced life support. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University at Buffalo. He earned his medical doctorate from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1997. Dr. Chow completed his residency in family medicine at the University at Rochester via Strong Memorial Hospital and Highland Hospital.
In addition to his position with WNYIC, Dr. Chow serves as Medical Director and Medical Review Officer for DuPont Industries in Buffalo, NY. He is Clinical Assistant Professor in the University at Buffalo’s Department of Family Medicine.
Dr. Chow serves on Young Physicians Committee of the Erie County Medical Society. He is also a member of the Western New York Physician Advisory Group of Univera Healthcare.
Prior to joining WNYIC, Dr. Chow was a Partner and Treasurer of Springville Pediatrics and Adult Care, LLP. He served as physician for the Gow School, the Springville Griffith Institute and for several group homes.
Edward J. Cosgrove, MD, JD
Medical Director, Western New York Immediate Care
Dr. Edward J. Cosgrove is the medical director of Western New York Immediate Care’s Williamsville facility. Dr. Cosgrove is responsible for setting and maintaining policies for medical care, providing oversight and quality assurance for physicians and staff, assisting with physician recruiting and patient satisfaction.
An original partner in Exigence, Dr. Cosgrove has played a key role in the development of the company. He is board certified in internal medicine with over 10 years’ experience working in emergency departments. He is certified in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support and advanced trauma life support. A member of the Erie County and the New York State Medical Society along with the American Medical Association, he has also served on committees for the Erie County Medical Society.
He serves as an attending physician in the emergency departments of Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, and Olean General Hospital. He has also been a staff physician at Sheehan Memorial Hospital and the Erie County Holding Center and spent time as the team physician for the Canisius High School football team.
In addition to being a physician, Dr Cosgrove is an attorney. He graduated cum laude from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 2000. Admitted to the New York State Bar in 2000, Dr Cosgrove utilizes his law degree in the management of our urgent care operations and as an associate in practice with his family’s multispecialty law firm providing expertise on medical-legal issues.
Dr. Cosgrove graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 1994, completing his residency in internal medicine at the University at Buffalo Health Consortium in 1997. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Notre Dame.
Mark Podlas, MD
Medical Director, Western New York Immediate Care
