Dr. Monica Fudala Melendy for AAFP Delegate

Family medicine is at its best when patients have trusted relationships with physicians who are empowered to provide accessible, comprehensive, and compassionate care. As our healthcare system continues to evolve, the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) plays an increasingly important role in advocating for physicians, supporting learners, and improving the health of our communities. It is because of this mission that I am seeking another term as Delegate.

Since becoming involved with the IAFP during residency, I have developed a deep appreciation for the Academy's role in shaping the future of family medicine. Over the past 15 years, the IAFP has helped shape my growth as a physician, educator, advocate, and leader while providing countless opportunities to serve our specialty and the patients who depend on it. Throughout that time, I have witnessed the evolving challenges facing our patients, physicians, and learners. Patients are seeking help navigating an increasingly complex healthcare system that provides timely access, affordability, and trusted relationships with their physicians. Medical students and residents are looking for mentors who embrace evidence-based medicine while recognizing the importance of compassion, human connection, and the privilege of caring for patients. Family physicians are striving to practice in environments that allow them to deliver high-quality, affordable, patient-centered care while maintaining professional fulfillment and personal well-being.

At the heart of these shared challenges is the need for strong advocacy and thoughtful leadership. The IAFP provides that voice—championing our specialty, supporting family physicians, and advancing the health of the patients and communities we serve. As Delegate, I would be honored to continue contributing to that mission alongside the Academy's dedicated and diverse physician leaders.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving the Academy in many capacities, including as President and Chair of the IAFP Board, Delegate, Alternate Delegate, committee member, educator, and advocate. These leadership experiences have given me a deep understanding of the Academy's mission, governance, and strategic priorities while reinforcing the importance of listening to our members and building consensus around meaningful change. I have advocated for family medicine with legislators locally, in Springfield, and on Capitol Hill, helping policymakers understand the essential role family physicians play in improving the health of their communities. Through service on committees, task forces, and subcommittees, I have worked collaboratively to address critical issues including health care access and affordability, quality improvement, behavioral health, opioid prescribing, physician wellness, and health equity.

As an educator, I developed continuing medical education programs and facilitated discussions on emerging public health issues,including youth tobacco and e-cigarette use. During my time as residency faculty at the University of Chicago (NorthShore) Family Medicine Residency, I incorporated advocacy and public policy into graduate medical education by hosting legislators, fostering meaningful dialogue, and encouraging residents to view advocacy as an integral part of their careers. I have also served on planning and host committees for Family Medicine Midwest conferences, helping strengthen regional collaboration, professional engagement, and
networking opportunities that advance our specialty. 

My career has also provided me with the opportunity to experience family medicine from multiple perspectives. From academic medicine and residency education to organized medicine leadership and now Direct Primary Care, I have gained a broad appreciation for the diverse ways family physicians serve their communities. Although practice models continue to evolve, our shared priorities remain the same: preserving the patient-physician relationship, improving access to high-quality, evidence-based care, reducing unnecessary burdens on physicians, and ensuring that family medicine remains the foundation of a strong health care system. I believe this breadth of experience allows me to thoughtfully represent physicians practicing in a variety of settings while helping the Academy navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The Academy has given me countless opportunities to learn, lead, and serve. I remain deeply committed to its mission of improving health for all through advocacy, education, and action. If elected, I will continue to listen thoughtfully to our members, foster collaboration, and advocate for policies that strengthen family medicine and improve the health of the patients and communities we serve. It would be a privilege to continue representing the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians as Delegate and to help advance our shared mission for years to come.

Thank you for your consideration.
Monica Fudala Melendy, MD, FAAFP

View Dr. Fudala Melendy's CV