CHICAGO – Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) announces Dr. Virgil Reid will serve as the Interim Chief Medical Officer (CMO) beginning February 1, 2025.
Dr. Reid is taking over for Dr. Amy Whitaker who announced last year she was stepping back in order to provide more patient care. Dr. Reid is currently an associate medical director and previously served as medical director for PPIL from 2014 to 2016. As Interim CMO, Dr. Reid will oversee PPIL’s clinical operations, spearheading initiatives to enhance patient care, optimize health outcomes, and expand access to essential healthcare services across the region.
“As Illinois is an oasis for sexual and reproductive health care, I’m honored to step into the role of Interim Chief Medical Officer,” Reid said. “Illinois has seen the greatest number of abortion patients fleeing their home state for care. We also have seen a tremendous number of gender-affirming patients who come to us for care because they either don’t feel welcome or are unable to get care where they live. It’s a critical time in PPIL’s history and I’m prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Dr. Reid has over two decades of experience as a reproductive health provider and physician leader. He started with PPIL as a provider in 2007. He has served as a medical director for PPIL, and Planned Parenthood of South-Central Michigan, and as the associate medical director, abortion services program director, and founding director of the clinical abortion training center at Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. He returned to PPIL in 2021. Fluent in English, Spanish and German, Dr. Reid is committed to delivering culturally competent care and advancing health equity.
Dr. Reid has been a leader in PPIL’s robust program of partnering with universities and colleges across the country to provide comprehensive abortion care training for physician residents, nursing students, practicing clinicians and internal advanced practice nurses. PPIL’s training program grew over the years but after Roe was overturned in 2022, the demand for abortion training increased by 60%.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Reid as Interim CMO,” said Interim President and CEO of PPIL Tonya Tucker. “With his extensive knowledge of Planned Parenthoods and his strong leadership skills, he’s the right person to lead in this moment of evolution for PPIL. This transition also allows Dr. Whitaker more time to provide the care she loves so passionately. This is a win-win for everyone.”
Dr. Whitaker has been a leader of clinical services at PPIL for eight years, and CMO for the last five years. Her new role at PPIL will be as an associate medical director. She has been a volunteer, healthcare assistant, and physician for over 20 years. Whitaker is also a Clinical Associate Professor in the University of Chicago’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Whitaker has been published in over 20 peer-reviewed resources on topics ranging from abortion care, intrauterine devices (IUDs), cervical cancer screenings, and adolescent patient care.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) provides affordable, high-quality reproductive health care services and medically accurate sexual health education to women, teens and men throughout Illinois. Through medical services, educational programs and advocacy efforts, PPIL works to ensure and protect the reproductive rights of each individual. For more information, visit www.ppil.org.