About Dr. Tonja R. Austin
Dr. Tonja Austin is a Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine graduate and a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician. She was awarded the degree of Fellow by the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2008 in recognition of her professional competence and the quality of health care she has provided to the people of America. She enjoys practicing the full scope of family medicine, which includes but is not limited to: adult medicine; care of newborns, infants, children, adolescents; and gynecological care. Dr. Austin has a special interest in hypertension and has spoken at many community forums about the topic, which include a guest appearance on the Chicago Cable TV Network Program “Here We Are” and the Advocate South Suburban Hospital “Hospital News and Health Information” bulletin, Spring 2009. Dr. Austin is the proud mother of two wonderful daughters and resides in the South Suburbs of Chicago.
Curriculum Vitae
Undergrad
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
BS/Honors in Biology – Summa Cum Laude
From 8/1990 to 6/1994
Medical School
Northwestern University Medical School
Chicago, IL
Doctor of Medicine
From 8/1994 to 6/1998
Residency
West Suburban Hospital Family Practice Program
River Forest, Illinois
Family Practice M.D.
From 7/1998 to 6/2001
Subspecialty Interest
Women’s Health, Pediatrics
Licensure
State – Illinois Year – 2000
Certifications
American Board of Family Medicine Diplomate – 7/13/01
American Board of Family Medicine Re-certification – 8/2008
Hospital Appointment
Metro South, Blue Island, Illinois -Active Staff
Ingalls Memorial Hospital, Harvey, Illinois – Associate Staff
St James Hospital, Chicago Heights, Ill – Associate Staff
Advocate South Suburban Hospital, Hazel Crest, Ill – Associate Staff
Organizations
- 2008 Awarded Degree of Fellow from American Academy of Awards, Honors – Family Physicians
- 2008 “America’s Top Family Doctors” – Consumer Research Council of America
- 2007 “America’s Top Family Doctors” – Consumer Research Council of America
- 2007-2009 Medical Director of Primary Care – Physicians Cooperative
- 2005 Zeta of The Year Award – Xi Mu Zeta Chapter
- 2004 Clinical Operations Manager – Christian Community Health Center
- 2003-06 “Stork’s Nest” Chair – A collaborative service project Between Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and The March of Dimes geared toward increasing prenatal care for low Income pregnant women (Housed at Ingalls Memorial Hospital, Harvey, Illinois)
- 2003 Physician Guest on Chicago Cable TV Network Program “Here We Are” -Topic = Health Issues that plague the African American Community
- 2002-04 Family Practice Clerkship Preceptor for Loyola University Medical School and Roseland Christian Health Ministries
- 2002 Certificate of Appreciation for “valuable clinical contributions” recipient – Christian Community Health Center
- 2000-01 West Suburban Hospital Housestaff Officer (Treasurer)
- 2000-01 Family Practice Program Curriculum Committee Member
- 2000-01 PCC Wellness Center Outpatient Chief
- 2000 Family Practice Program Inpatient Chief Nominee
- 1998-01 Family Practice Program Admissions/Recruitment Committee
- 1998-current American Academy of Family Physicians Member
- 1995 Pediatric Practice Research Group – Research Assistant
- 1-98 Student National Medical Association, Inc