Dr. Faarina Khan - New Physician Board Member

Dear Members of the Leadership Development Committee:

I am writing to express my interest in serving as the New Physician Board Member for the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians. As a family physician that’s nearly two years into independent practice, I still remember the excitement, uncertainty, and challenges that come with the transition out of residency. While residency prepares us clinically, there are many aspects of being a physician that we continue to learn after graduation, navigating healthcare systems, balancing administrative demands, advocating for patients, building a sustainable career, and finding our voice as leaders. These experiences have reinforced the importance of organizations like IAFP and the role they play in supporting physicians throughout every stage of their careers.

Of the six themes outlined in the IAFP 2026-2028 strategic plan, there are three that I feel I am most naturally equipped to contribute to: grow the family medicine workforce, foster belonging and connection across the family medicine community, and strengthen the foundation and future of the IAFP. My passion behind advocating for the growth of the workforce began even before I was a part of family medicine, and it only amplified in my time as a resident and attending physician. Completing the AAFP Family Medicine Champions program, signing up for the IAFP mentorship program and most recently petitioning for the creation of the IAFP International Medical Graduates (IMG) Member Interest Group (MIG) are all varying examples of me personally trying to make family medicine a more welcoming and unifying space for medical students, residents and IMG physicians respectively. And I am active in the ISMS, FMM, AAFP and the AMA so being connected and aligned with our state and national partners to keep us resilient and well-governed is more than feasible for me.

Family medicine has provided me with mentors, colleagues, and opportunities that have shaped both my professional and personal growth. Serving on the Board would be a chance to give back to the specialty that has given so much to me and to help ensure that future generations of family physicians continue to find support, community, and opportunities for leadership.

Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to serve as the New Physician Board Member and contribute to the continued success of the IAFP.

Sincerely,

Faarina Khan, MD, MPH, DipABLM

View Dr. Khan's CV