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| 19 Aug 2026 | |
| Elections |
| Santina Wheat |
Dear Members of the IAFP Nominations Committee,
I am honored to express my interest in serving as an Alternate Delegate to the Congress of Delegates for the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP). As a long-time member of the IAFP, I have always valued our academy’s unique ability to bring together diverse perspectives from across our state. I am eager to channel my deep commitment to our specialty into representing Illinois family physicians and shaping the policies that impact our daily practice and patients.
Throughout my career, I have consistently embraced the responsibility of asking hard questions and voicing perspectives that may be complex but necessary. I pride myself on the ability to listen deeply and represent viewpoints beyond my own, ensuring that the varied experiences and concerns of all our state’s members—across different practice models and regions—are acknowledged and championed. This approach directly aligns with the Alternate Delegate's crucial role in fostering inclusivity, integrity, and mutual collaboration during policy debates.
My broader leadership experience has reinforced my belief in the power of advocacy, alliance building, and ethical leadership to drive meaningful change. I have a proven track record of creating open spaces where colleagues can share concerns, advocating for physicians through major regulatory and system transitions, and developing frameworks that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am excited to bring this collaborative, forward-thinking energy to the Congress of Delegates.
As your Alternate Delegate, I am committed to exploring how the distinct viewpoints within Illinois interact with and influence family medicine on a national scale. I will continue to ask the hard questions of our national leadership, advocate for the evolving needs of our communities, and support our academy as we navigate systemic changes in healthcare.
I am truly excited about the opportunity to serve the IAFP in this capacity. Together, we can continue to shape the future of family medicine in Illinois and beyond with curiosity, courage, compassion, and a shared vision for excellence.
Sincerely,
Santina Wheat MD, MPH FAAFP
