Dr. Sydney Doe - Class of 2029 Board Member

Dear Members of the Leadership Development Committee:

I am writing to express my interest in continuing my service on the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors.

I currently practice as a family physician at Esperanza Health Centers, a federally qualified health center serving Chicago's Southwest Side, where I also serve as HIV Medicine Medical Lead and Core Faculty for the RUSH Esperanza Family Medicine Residency. Through these roles, I care for underserved communities, teach and mentor resident physicians, and work to prepare the next generation of family physicians for careers grounded in advocacy, comprehensive care, and service.

Serving on the IAFP Board over the past two years has been a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the specialty that has shaped my professional identity. I have particularly valued participating in the Audit Committee, Strategic Plan Task Force, and New Physician Task Force, where I have gained a deeper appreciation for the Academy's role in supporting family physicians across Illinois.

If selected to continue serving, I hope to further advance several priorities outlined in the IAFP Strategic Plan. As an early-career physician practicing in an FQHC setting, I have experienced firsthand how administrative burden, workforce shortages, and fragmented healthcare systems affect both physicians and patients. I am particularly committed to helping the Academy lead boldly on behalf of family physicians and their patients and strengthen the practice environment by reducing barriers to care. I believe family physicians are uniquely positioned to advocate for practical solutions that improve access to high-quality primary care while supporting physician wellbeing and sustainability in practice.

I am also passionate about growing the family medicine workforce. Through my work as residency faculty, I have the privilege of mentoring residents as they develop their professional identities and discover the breadth of opportunities available within family medicine. I hope to continue bringing the perspectives of trainees and new physicians to Board discussions while helping foster a welcoming and inclusive professional community that supports family physicians.

Throughout my career, I have sought opportunities to advocate for patients, strengthen the specialty of family medicine, and encourage physician engagement in leadership and policy. I would be honored to continue contributing these experiences and perspectives as a member of the IAFP Board of Directors.

Thank you for your consideration and for your leadership of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians. I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving the Academy and the family physicians of Illinois.

Sincerely,

Sydney Doe, MD

Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Rush University

Core Faculty, RUSH Esperanza Family Medicine Residency

Link to Dr. Doe's CV