Meet a Medical Director: Dr. Melissa Briones
Dr. Melissa Briones joined theMednet in 2021, attracted by its extensive reach and the opportunity to make a broader impact in the medical field. As Medical Director, she leads teams across multiple specialties, including rheumatology, dermatology, pulmonology, allergy and immunology, gastroenterology, and hepatology. Her move to theMednet was a pivotal moment in her career, enabling her to apply her clinical expertise in a non-clinical setting while continuing to advocate for systemic improvements in healthcare. She sees theMednet as blending her passion for patient care with a commitment to advancing medical education.
For Dr. Briones, theMednet serves as a platform for sharing knowledge across disciplines, audiences, and institutions—spanning the entire field of medicine – and promoting mentorship and collaboration.
Dr. Briones’ journey to medicine began with an innate love for science and patient interaction. During her undergraduate studies, she explored a number of academic fields but always found herself drawn back to healthcare. Her eventual decision to pursue medicine felt natural, combining her scientific curiosity with a deep-seated desire to make a tangible and transformative difference in patients' lives.
Dr. Briones thrives in environments where she can focus deeply, develop expertise, and nurture meaningful connections with her patients.
All of this has led Dr. Briones to rheumatology, where the conditions she treats are often chronic, painful, and debilitating. It is a specialty aligned with her academic background in microbiology and immunology. It permits her to focus deeply on each case, build technical expertise, and still have that human component.
Reflecting on her time in clinical practice, Dr. Briones describes rheumatology as "the best of all worlds," where she can guide vulnerable patients through challenging times, restore their functionality, and witness their resilience. Her role often involves dispelling fear and misinformation, building trust, and empowering patients to take charge of their health.
Dr. Briones has spent 20 years at Loyola University Chicago. Mentorship and the institution’s emphasis on the human side of healthcare profoundly influenced her practice and her patient-centered approach to medicine.
Her experiences in developing enduring relationships with patients sharing milestones in both their lives and in her own, reinforced her belief in the importance of trust, time investment, and holistic care. She views patients as partners in their health journey, advocating for open communication and shared decision-making. This approach, she notes, pays dividends in improved adherence to treatment plans and better outcomes.
“It is a really rewarding type of patient relationship because the stakes are high, the patients are young, the relationships are long-term, and all of those things just make it feel so impactful at the patient level, which I just really ended up loving.”
Parenthood marked another significant juncture for Dr. Briones, challenging her to redefine her identity and priorities. Balancing career aspirations with the demands of family life initially left her feeling stretched thin, but ultimately deepened her connection with patients. Her transition to being a physician mom sparked reflection, making each moment with her patients more meaningful. Her vulnerability as a working mother, also, allowed her to connect with those navigating similar struggles, enriching the doctor-patient relationship.
“Patient care is the best part but unfortunately it's just not the majority of what we do anymore.”
For Dr. Briones, time has become her most valuable resource. She is intentional about ensuring that her work is meaningful, focusing on tasks that align with her values and that contribute to her patients' well-being.
While she continues to maintain a clinical presence, Dr. Briones finds fulfillment in her role at theMednet, bridging the gap between patient care and medical education. She views theMednet as a vehicle for systemic change, enabling physicians to share insights and improve healthcare delivery on a larger scale.
Dr. Briones’ decision to join theMednet was driven by a desire to expand her impact beyond individual patient interactions. Her role involves leading educational initiatives, fostering creative problem-solving, and partnering with clients to design impactful programs. The steep learning curve and need for innovative thinking have been invigorating, pushing her out of her comfort zone.
Dr. Briones remains committed to her mission of ensuring equitable access to care for all patients. She believes in the power of mentorship, advocating for young physicians to enter the field for the right reasons and stay true to their values. She’s enthusiastic about new treatment options in rheumatology and rewarding relationships with patients. Outside of work, Dr. Briones finds joy in reading, cooking, staying active, and traveling with her husband and kids.