Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Monica Wehby

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 15, 2026

Discover the career path of Monica Wehby, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Monica Wehby is an American physician and politician from Oregon. She gained prominence as the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in the 2014 election, where she ran against incumbent Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley. Although unsuccessful in her bid for Senate, Wehby's campaign brought her into the political spotlight and showcased her views on healthcare and other key issues affecting Oregon.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1995: Completed Neurosurgery Residency

In 1995, Monica Wehby completed a neurosurgery residency at UCLA Medical School.

1997: Completed Fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery

In 1997, Monica Wehby completed a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

1998: Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery

In 1998, Monica Wehby moved to Portland, Oregon, where she became director of pediatric neurosurgery at Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.

2002: Gordon H. Smith Re-elected

In 2002, Gordon H. Smith was re-elected as U.S. Senator.

2004: Led Campaign for Ballot Measure 35

In 2004, Monica Wehby led an unsuccessful statewide campaign for Ballot Measure 35, which aimed to tighten Oregon's medical malpractice regulations.

2007: Elected President of the Oregon Medical Association

In 2007, Monica Wehby was elected president of the Oregon Medical Association.

2009: Appeared in Television Ads Warning About Obamacare

In 2009, Monica Wehby appeared in nationwide television advertisements warning about possible problems with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

2010: Jo Rae Perkins Candidate for Mayor of Albany

In 2010, Jo Rae Perkins was a candidate for Mayor of Albany, Oregon.

2011: Elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association

In 2011, Monica Wehby was elected to the board of trustees of the American Medical Association.

October 2013: Announced Candidacy for U.S. Senate

In October 2013, Monica Wehby announced that she would seek the Republican nomination for the United States Senate seat held by Jeff Merkley.

2014: Lost Senate Election to Jeff Merkley

After losing to Sen. Jeff Merkley in 2014, Monica Wehby expressed her desire to remain in politics.

2014: Released "Trust" Campaign Advertisement

In late April 2014, Monica Wehby released an advertisement called "Trust", narrated by a former patient, which drew national attention to her campaign.

2015: Raised Funds for Monica PAC

By early 2015, Monica Wehby had raised $58,500 for Monica PAC and launched a website.

2015: PAC Shut Down, Pulled out of Race

By late 2015, Monica Wehby's PAC had raised more than $300,000, but as support dwindled, the PAC shut down and she pulled out of the race to focus on her practice as a pediatric neurosurgeon at Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.

2015: Panelist at State of Reform Health Policy Conference

In 2015, Monica Wehby was a panelist at the State of Reform Health Policy Conference at the Hilton Portland, where she shared her thoughts on health reform, liability, the financial burden on patients, and being both a politician and a physician.

2015: Courted to Run for Governor

In 2015, reports indicated that Monica Wehby was being courted by both Republican and Democratic leaders to run for governor of Oregon.

2024: Elected as ISMA District 7 President

In 2024, Monica Wehby was initially elected as the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) District 7 President on April 30, but was later found ineligible due to a bylaw.