Highlighting Women Physicians in March 2025
The Women in Medicine and Science Council at UICOMP has selected four women physicians to highlight this month in recognition of Women’s History Month.
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Michele Couri, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology
Dr. Michele Couri, a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, is a born and raised Peorian who has dedicated her entire career to serving our community. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, she matriculated at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria and completed residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Saint Francis Medical Center. After serving as Chief Resident, she joined the OSF Saint Francis Medical Group and has held medical staff appointments at OSF, Methodist Hospital, Proctor Hospital, and Peoria Day Surgery Center since the early 2000’s. For more than two decades, she has served UICOMP as a Clinical Assistant Professor and provided outstanding educational opportunities for our learners. In 2001, she established the Couri Center for Gynecology and Integrative Women’s Health, recognized as #1 in OB/GYN by the Peoria Community Choice Awards consecutively since 2017. Dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatment and staying at the forefront of medical advancements, Dr. Couri gained further expertise by completing fellowships in Integrative Medicine in 2011 and Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine in 2013. She is an exemplary role-model for life-long learning and providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
Teresa Lynch, MD
Professor of Clinical Medicine, Department Chair – Department of Medicine
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics – Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Teresa Lynch graduated Magna cum Laude with Honors in Biology from Knox College before earning her medical degree at Rush Medical College. She then completed a combined internal medicine and pediatrics residency training program at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where she stayed on as faculty and medical director for four years before joining UICOMP. She quickly promoted to Associate Program Director and then Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency training program. She has served as a board member and medical director of the OSF Community Clinic, which houses four residency program training sites and provides comprehensive healthcare for indigent patients. She also played an integral role in the development of OSF’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center and Outpatient Infusion Center. She has dedicated her entire career to academic medicine and education and now serves as the Chair of the UICOMP Department of Medicine and Professor of Clinical Medicine and Pediatrics. Beyond providing outstanding education to residents and medical students, and dedicated administrative leadership, Dr. Lynch has carved out time for heroic volunteer work. She has championed childhood vaccination and dispelled vaccinations myths through her work with the American Academy of Pediatrics Illinois Chapter. A recipient of numerous awards for teaching, service, and leadership, Dr. Lynch is an inspirational figure in our community.
Churphena Reid, MD
Dr. Churphena Reid graduated from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and completed residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She is a board-certified pediatric urologist with over 40 years of providing outstanding patient-centered, compassionate healthcare to the Central Illinois Community. Her leadership and expertise had a direct impact on the success of OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois Pediatric Urology being ranked among the best by US News & World Report for several consecutive years. Dr. Reid has been recognized for her long-standing commitment to excellence in healthcare for children and their families with an impressive track record of advanced clinical services, prevention of surgical complications, and use of infection-preventing measures. Her work serves as an inspiration to all women in medicine and science.
Elsa Vazquez-Melendez, MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine – Department of Medicine
Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics – Department of Pediatrics
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Elsa Vazquez-Melendez is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine within the Department of Internal Medicine/Med-Peds. She received her medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana, Santo Domingo before completing residency training at UICOMP. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Pediatrics Hospital Medicine. In her dual role as a dedicated clinician and educator, Dr. Vazquez-Melendez excels in providing exceptional care and fostering medical education. Beyond her clinical and academic responsibilities, she serves as the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion. In this capacity, she has played a pivotal role in shaping new curricula, organizing faculty training, and leading committees focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her commitment to these principles is evident in her tireless efforts to educate herself and her colleagues, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Known for her thoughtfulness, respect, kindness, and humility, Dr. Vazquez-Melendez is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and excellence in both her professional and personal interactions. Her dedication to creating a more inclusive environment complements her passion for providing outstanding clinical care.