Why I do this work
I didn't go into medicine for the science alone, though I do love it. I went into medicine because of a simple belief: that every person, especially in their later years, deserves a doctor who truly sees them.
Somewhere along the way, healthcare got faster. Appointments got shorter. Patients started feeling less like people and more like items on a checklist: fifteen minutes, a prescription, and out the door. I watched it happen, and I knew that wasn't the kind of doctor I wanted to be.
So I built my practice to be the exception. Here, you are not a number. You are a person with a history, a family, a set of worries, and a life you want to keep living fully. My job is to understand all of it, and then to be the steady, trusted guide who helps you navigate the years ahead with confidence.
That's the promise I make to every patient who walks through my door.
The foundation behind your care
My path into geriatric care began with broad, whole-person training. I earned my medical degree at Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center, then completed my residency in Family Medicine at Swedish Hospital (2008–2011), the foundation that taught me to care for the entire person, not just a single condition.
From there, I pursued advanced fellowship training in Geriatric Medicine at Loyola University Medical Center (2011–2012), a dedicated study of the unique health needs of older adults. Since completing my fellowship in 2012, I have devoted my practice to caring for adults 50 and older, developing deep expertise in the conditions, medications, and questions that define health in this chapter of life.
I stay current through ongoing continuing education, because the best care is informed by the latest evidence. And I bring that knowledge to you in plain language: no jargon, no rushing, just clear explanations you can actually use to make decisions about your health.
What I believe about your care
Every doctor has a philosophy, whether they say it out loud or not. Here is mine: the principles that shape every visit, every decision, and every conversation we'll have together.
- 1I believe in unhurried medicine.Good care can't happen in seven minutes. I take the time to listen to the whole story, because the details others skip are often the ones that matter most.
- 2I believe fewer medications can mean better health.Many older adults are on more prescriptions than they need. I review every medication carefully, looking to simplify and reduce wherever it's safe to do so.
- 3I believe your family belongs in the room.A spouse, son, or daughter often holds part of the picture. I welcome your loved ones to every visit, because the best care includes the people who care about you.
- 4I believe in treating the person, not just the chart.Your goals, your independence, what a good day looks like for you, these matter as much as any lab result. I want to know what you're living for, not just what you're living with.
Does this sound like the doctor you've been looking for?
I'm currently welcoming new patients 50 and older. I'd be glad to meet you.
Call (815) 332-1777What a visit with me is really like
If it's been a while since you felt truly cared for at the doctor's office, here's what you can expect when you become my patient.
We start with your story
I'll ask about your health, your history, your medications, and, and just as importantly, your life and what matters to you.
We make a plan together
I'll explain everything in plain language and we'll decide on next steps as a team. You'll never feel rushed or talked over.
I stay with you over time
You'll see me, not a rotating cast of providers, at every visit. I coordinate with your specialists and pharmacy so nothing slips through the cracks.
Who I care for
My practice is built around the realities of life after 50: the multiple conditions, the long medication lists, the changes that deserve thoughtful attention. I provide comprehensive primary care with particular expertise in:
A little more about me
I believe the best care comes from a real human connection, so it helps to know your doctor as a person, too.
I'm fortunate to be able to care for patients in several languages, which means many families can speak with me comfortably in the language they know best:
I'd be honored to be your doctor
Choosing a doctor is one of the most personal decisions you'll make, especially in this chapter of life. If you're looking for someone who will take the time, who will listen, and who will treat you and your family with the respect you deserve, I would be honored to be that person.
Reach out whenever you're ready. A real member of our team will answer, help with your insurance, and find a time that works for you, often within the same week.