Jyothi Patri, MD, MHA, FAAFP

Personal Statement

I am excited to submit my candidacy for the AAFP Board of Directors as a dedicated family physician committed to improving health care. My dynamic journey from an international medical graduate to leading two family medicine residency programs has empowered me to represent the voice of physicians serving across a diverse clinical spectrum. 

I bring a unique perspective shaped by my extensive health care experience across continents. My impactful work in underserved settings in urban and rural areas alike, medical education, and leadership roles has equipped me to address socio-economic, cultural and ethno-racial gaps effectively. I am eager to advocate for policymaking in support of family physicians and improve health care delivery at the grassroots level. I look forward to contributing to the Academy's goals and shaping the future of family medicine.

Biography 

Jyothi Patri, MD, MHA, FAAFP, is a dynamic family physician advocating for equitable health care. Currently practicing at the Transition Care Clinic within Community Medical Center in Fresno, California, she oversees facilities serving more than 100,000 patients in an under-resourced area, including a tertiary care hospital, ensuring comprehensive care. Additionally, she focuses on serving under-served populations, treating chronic conditions as a lifestyle medicine physician for the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission.

As a voice representing family physicians and other constituencies, including international medical graduates, Dr. Patri emphasizes the importance of serving underserved and rural areas. Her leadership as the program director at Adventist Health Hanford and Sonora Family Medicine Residency Programs included opening new residency spots, addressing local physician shortages, and nurturing the next generation through research and evidence-based education.

Dr. Patri brings a comprehensive perspective and diverse experience to the table as a female physician, enriching health care delivery and policymaking while promoting innovation and supporting future generations of physicians without discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity or nationality.

As a staunch advocate for health care equity, Dr. Patri spearheads programs promoting cultural competence and addressing disparities. Her achievements include serving as president of the California AFP’s Fresno-Madera-Kings chapter and as an alternate delegate in the National Conference of Constituency Leaders.

Dr. Patri's extensive experience spans academic and non-academic settings, from urban and rural underserved facilities to federally qualified or university-affiliated clinics across the United States. She is thus uniquely qualified to advocate and influence policymaking in the clinical, academic and administrative pillars of the Academy.

Dr. Patri’s work in California's Central Valley has been widely recognized for its impact. As an emerging physician leader, she has received numerous accolades, such as the Top Physicians Under 40 by the Pennsylvania Medical Society, 40 under 40 in Central Valley California, the Program Director Recognition award by AFMRD, and the Excellence Award in Teaching from Adventist Health FMRP.

With comprehensive experience, leadership skills, and a deep commitment to medical education and care for vulnerable populations, Dr. Patri is poised to make a significant impact as a Director on the AAFP Board.