Dr. Fons for Board Member 2028

I am writing to formally nominate myself for a position on the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) Board of Directors. As a deeply committed Family Medicine physician, educator, and advocate, I bring nearly two decades of progressive leadership, clinical service, and academic dedication to this opportunity. Having served as a board member since May 2025 to fill an unexpired term, I would be honored to continue contributing to the mission and strategic vision of the IAFP.

Throughout my career, I have consistently prioritized whole-person care, education, advocacy, and systems-level improvement. I currently serve as Family Medicine Faculty at the University of Illinois Peoria Family Medicine Residency Program and as the Family Medicine Clerkship Director at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, where I oversee medical student education, support resident development, and lead quality improvement initiatives. I also serve as Director of Student Medical Education for A.T. Still University, providing mentorship and academic oversight to third- and fourth-year osteopathic medical students.

My background in both medicine and education, including a Master’s in Science Education and prior experience as a middle school teacher—has uniquely positioned me as a passionate advocate for accessible, high-quality education across the continuum of training. My special interests include Behavioral Medicine, Women’s Health, ADHD, Motivational Interviewing, and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), all of which I integrate into both my clinical and educational roles. I have implemented an MDO curriculum for MD residents and continue to teach OMT in both pediatric and obstetric populations, including through Centering Pregnancy cohorts.

As a long-standing member of IAFP (since 2011), I have been actively engaged in our shared mission through service on the Government Relations Committee and Leadership Development Committee. Nationally, I’ve participated in the AAFP’s Family Medicine Advocacy Summit and serve on the ACGME Osteopathic Recognition Committee, where I sit on the Executive Committee. My prior experience as a residency program director, faculty leader, and community volunteer—such as my ongoing work with the Loaves and Fish Free Clinic—reflects my commitment to community service and population health.

I have been honored with multiple awards for teaching, service, and leadership, including the Outstanding Service Award (2025), Phase 2 Clinical Teaching Excellence Award (2023), and Faculty of the Year by the Family Medicine Residency Program. I have presented at numerous national conferences and published scholarly work on OMT, behavioral health, and educational innovation.

If elected to continue on the IAFP Board, I would bring a strong voice grounded in frontline clinical experience, osteopathic integration, medical education, and policy advocacy. I am especially passionate about strengthening the pipeline of future family physicians, promoting physician well-being, and addressing social determinants of health through both community engagement and legislative advocacy.

Thank you for considering my self-nomination. I would be honored to continue serving the IAFP, our members, and the patients and communities we serve.

With appreciation and commitment,

Dominique Fons, MD, Med, FAAFP
Fons CV