Dr. Brenda Affinati received her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1993. She completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

Dr. Affinati is certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is a fellow of the American College of Physicians.

Dr. Affinati is currently affiliated with Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, where she is the associate program director of internal medicine. She has been a member of the Chicago Medical School faculty since 1998. In 2014, she received the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, an award presented to the faculty member who best demonstrates the ideals of compassion, respect, and clinical excellence.