Zazi Nylander, MD

Dr. Zazi Nylander’s journey to redefine healthcare started long before she earned the title “doctor.” Growing up in Ghana, she was inspired by the compassionate care she witnessed at a local HIV clinic. Seeing how thoughtful, patient-centered care transformed lives ignited a passion that brought her to the United States. Her journey began at Smith College, where her passion for science and helping others led her to graduate magna cum laude, earning the prestigious C. Pauline Burt Award in Chemistry—a reflection of her dedication to excellence. Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Nylander worked at Merck, where she gained invaluable insights into pharmaceutical approaches and developed a deep understanding of their strengths and limitations. Her medical education at Northwestern University and family medicine residency at Emory University provided her with a solid foundation in evidence-based care. At Emory, her dedication earned her the Resident of the Year Award during her second year, a recognition of her unwavering commitment to patient care. Yet, her experiences in traditional healthcare settings revealed an industry struggling to meet patients’ needs. Dr. Nylander envisioned something different—a system that emphasizes prevention, values time with patients, and fosters lasting relationships. Her training in the AAFP Leadership Program on Physician Wellness inspired her to build a practice that supports not only patients but also the healthcare team, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.