A Jewel in Spring Valley: Honoring Dr. Suzanne Afflalo’s Legacy of Care

Suzanne Afflalo, MD

Are we aware of the jewel we have in Spring Valley, right under our noses?

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we are proud to honor 

Dr. Suzanne Afflalo, Medical Director, Senior Provider, and co-founder of IWC Primary Care. She is a physician leader whose career reflects the values we want to see more of in healthcare: compassion, prevention, and consistent access. Dr. Afflalo represents the kind of leadership that quietly changes a region. She retired in 2015, but instead of stepping away from community care, she stepped deeper into it, helping to launch a monthly Community Health and Resource Fair in 2017, so neighbors could access consistent, practical support in real-time.

Her ongoing leadership of this monthly fair demonstrates what community-first medicine looks like in practice, not theory. With more than 25 years of experience in Family Medicine, including serving as Chief of Family Medicine at Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Afflalo has dedicated her life to patient-centered care. Her commitment extends far beyond the clinic. This is legacy work, not a one-time initiative, but a long-term pattern of showing up, educating, and empowering community members to take control of their health.

For those who are not able to set an appointment or commute to Spring Valley, we want you to know there is another consistent access point. The monthly Health and Resource Fair takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at the Jackie Robinson YMCA, where community members can receive fresh produce and connect to essential screenings and services, including diabetes and cholesterol screening, HIV and Hep C screening, breast exams, and additional wraparound supports.

And for our neighbors in Spring Valley who are ready to take control of their health, build a personal health care plan, prevent serious medical issues, or manage current conditions for a better quality of life, IWC Primary Care is here.

Our Team Eagerly Awaits Your Visit. Schedule Today

This month, we are honoring Dr. Afflalo’s impact at the Legacy of Care Gala, a celebration of the kind of care that strengthens families and communities for the long haul.

To close, we want to share a brief moment that captures Dr. Afflalo’s legacy in real time. In the video below, you’ll see her on the mobile health unit at the Community Health and Resource Fair, caring for a community member who had been searching for answers to persistent health concerns without success. This is what community-first medicine looks like: meeting people where they are, listening closely, and helping them move forward with clarity and dignity.