Meenakshy Aiyer, MD, MACP, MHPE, serves as Regional Dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP), the eighth regional dean since the college was founded in 1970. At UICOMP, she also holds the title of Professor, Department of Health Sciences Education and Pathology, a department she helped design and create. In addition, Dr. Aiyer is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine.
Under her leadership as regional dean, the Peoria campus has expanded its offerings in Graduate Medical Education as well as its delivery and collaboration supporting patient care throughout the region. Establishment of the new Center for Health Research expanded the College’s mission of research and outreach by enhancing understanding and finding solutions to support health equity and outcomes. UICOMP launched a new pathway program with Bradley University to provide opportunities and mentorship to students with local ties who have an interest in medical school.
She has been recognized for her leadership and service within the community as well as her profession. She was named the Athena International Woman of the Year by the Peoria Chamber of Commerce as well as the Women to Women Health Care/Wellness Award recipient by the Women’s Fund of Central Illinois. Additionally, she was honored as a Junior Achievement of Central Illinois Hall of Fame Laureate and led the Peoria Healthcare Collaborative Initiative to identify and address healthcare disparities in central Illinois.
