Dr. Schaefer for Board Member 2028

I am writing to express my strong interest in returning to serve on the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians Board, this time as a new physician member. Having previously served as the resident physician representative on the IAFP Board, I have a deep appreciation for the Academy’s impact and a continued commitment to advancing its mission. My experience on the board was formative, reinforcing my passion for advocacy and collaborative leadership within family medicine.

Now in starting practice, I remain deeply aligned with the Academy’s core values—particularly its commitment to achieving equitable representation across demographics within IAFP leadership and membership, as well as at IAFP events. In my clinical work and academic involvement, I continue to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion by participating in health equity initiatives, fostering inclusive care models that reflect the communities we serve, and planning to host medical students from diverse backgrounds in core clerkships as a preceptor. I believe that representation at every level of our Academy strengthens our impact, deepens our relevance, and ensures that the voices shaping family medicine are reflective of those most affected by its outcomes.

As a board member, I would bring a strong understanding of the Academy’s structure, enthusiasm for inclusive policy development, and a continued desire to bridge the voices of early-career physicians with broader strategic priorities. I am eager to contribute to initiatives that promote physician well-being, health equity, and robust advocacy for the future of family medicine in Illinois.

Thank you for considering my application. It would be an honor to serve again in support of the IAFP’s mission, and I welcome the opportunity to contribute my voice and skills as a new physician representative to support our collective mission.

Warm regards,

Ashley R. Schaefer, MD

Schaefer CV