Resident Teacher of The Year - Ameel Chaudhary, MD

Ameel Chaudhary, MD
Northwestern Delnor Family Medicine Residency Class of 2025
Resident Teacher of the Year

The Resident Teacher of the Year is chosen by the IAFP Family Medicine Educators Committee from nominations submitted directly by Illinois Family Medicine Residency Programs. Northwestern McGaw program faculty Noman Shahid, MD provided the nomination and insights into Dr. Chaudhary’s exemplary teaching.

Dr. Chaudhary is a thoughtful and engaging educator who knows how to meet learners where they are. He consistently tailored his teaching to be relevant, case-based, and easy to apply during didactics. “He led our didactics curriculum with intention—seeking feedback from both faculty and residents to make sessions more interactive and focused on practical takeaways,” says Dr. Shahid. On the inpatient service and in clinic, he created space for learners to ask questions, reason out loud, and grow in confidence. He also made it a point to check in with interns and junior residents regularly, offering both support and accountability. “His ability to blend strong clinical knowledge with a calm, supportive presence made him a go-to teacher for many in the program.”

How does Dr. Chaudhary serve as a role model for future family physicians?

Dr. Chaudhary led by example in every part of his role. He was dependable, prepared, and calm under pressure, and he consistently modeled how to be both clinically sharp and compassionate. Whether it was during inpatient service, clinic, or didactics, he carried himself with thoughtfulness and professionalism. “He didn’t just talk about wellness or equity. He lived it. He showed up for his co-residents, advocated when things weren’t going well, and created space for others to be heard. Sometimes that meant something as simple and meaningful as dropping off baked goods or lunch during a tough inpatient week. It was his way of checking in and reminding people that they weren’t alone. He made it clear that being a good doctor includes being a good teammate.”

Dr. Ameel Chaudhary has consistently gone above and beyond as a resident educator and leader in our program. As Academic Chief Resident, he led our didactics efforts with creativity and focus, helping shape a learning environment that was both practical and high-yield. He was recognized with the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Resident Teacher of the Year Award—an especially meaningful honor since it was voted on by his peers, reflecting how much his colleagues valued his teaching.

He also served on the residency program’s Equity for All Committee and was a strong advocate for resident wellness throughout his time in the program. His scholarly work focused on burnout and wellness, specifically looking at the relationship between spirituality and burnout across family medicine residents at multiple Northwestern sites. He presented this work at the AAFP Wellness Conference for Physicians.

"I got here because so many teachers and colleagues took the time to guide me, challenge me, and give me a chance to grow. During my year as Academic Chief Resident, I tried to pay that forward: whether through direct teaching, organizing skill workshops, or helping reshape the curriculum. It was one of the most meaningful parts of my residency, and receiving this award is a reminder of how important that cycle of learning is." says Chaudhary.

After residency, Dr. Chaudhary took a break to reconnect with friends from college and medical school. He now practices at the Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group at a clinic in Geneva, just a few minutes from the residency program. “Staying close has allowed me to continue caring for many of my former patients, and I hope it will also give me the chance to return to the program often to offer guidance and continue teaching future residents,” said Chaudhary.

More Questions & Answers with Dr. Ameel Chaudhary

What did you enjoy most about residency?
I most enjoyed reflecting on how much I grew throughout residency. A year later, the same resident who was once anxious to round on patients in the morning was still anxious — but far less so. More importantly, I found meaning in guiding our new interns, recognizing in them the same questions and uncertainties I once had. I thrived in a program that valued diverse perspectives and approaches to medicine, which helped me shape my own style of practice.

What does this Award mean to you?
The Award reinforces my passion for teaching and mentorship. I am the physician I am today because of the guidance of others — mentors who inspired me and peers who learned alongside me. Teaching pushes me to stay current with evidence-based medicine and challenges me to share that knowledge in ways that elevate the care we provide as a community. Receiving this award is both an honor and a reminder of the cycle of learning that defines our profession.