Hinsdale ADS May-June 2025
Pediaprogress
Speech-Language Therapy • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): What inspired you to start Pediaprogress and to open an office in Downers Grove? Pediaprogress: The founder of Pediaprogress, Mindy Vasilakopoulos, was inspired to become a speech-language pathologist by her cousin, who has Down syndrome. A graduate of Downers Grove North High School,…
Read MoreDr. Michael Byun of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery
Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): What distinguishes you from other surgeons? Dr. Michael Byun: I think it’s my understanding of facial anatomy as living tissues in layers. After graduating from Northwestern University Medical School and completing my Plastic Surgery fellowship, for which I was the inaugural fellow of an integrated, combined seven-year program, I developed a distinct…
Read MoreDr. Jawdat Abboud of Charming Skin Vein Clinics
Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): People are increasingly concerned about the prevalence of varicose veins. How is your clinic addressing this issue through symptom awareness, treatment options, and prevention? Jawdat Abboud, MD: At Charming Skin Vein Clinics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating varicose veins and related venous conditions with a patient-first mindset. Many people live…
Read MoreDr. Justin LaReau of Hinsdale Orthopaedics
Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): Was there a specific moment or experience that confirmed you wanted to become an orthopedic surgeon? Dr. Justin LaReau, MD: During medical school and residency, I assisted in a complex joint reconstruction case. Seeing the patient’s ability to regain mobility and quality of life after surgery had a profound impact on…
Read MoreDr. Sean Cahill
Concierge Internal Medicine Practice Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): Why did you choose to open your own Concierge Internal Medicine practice in Chicago? Dr. Sean Cahill: Quite simply, I wanted to have more time for better relationships with my patients, to be able to practice medicine the way it should be. I had 3500 patients at…
Read MorePatricia S. Mikes, MD MBA
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): What inspired you to pursue a career in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine? Dr. Patricia Mikes: When beginning my pulmonary career at Yale, I intended to become a teacher and researcher. Although successful, I wanted more excitement than the lab could provide. I’ve…
Read MoreDr. Shakilabanu Meerapatel
Family Medicine UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Primary Care Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine? Dr. Shakilabanu Meerapatel, MD, FAAFP: My inspiration to pursue medicine stems from the story of my own birth. In a rural village in India, my mother faced complications during her first pregnancy—mine—because of a breech…
Read MoreDr. Christina Steil of CSC Steil Dermatology
Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): What inspired you to pursue dermatology and establish CSC Dermatology? Dr. Christina Steil: During my medical internship, I was caring for a complicated patient with unusual skin lesions. The dermatology team was called in, and witnessing the attending dermatologist diagnose the patient at the bedside was a pivotal moment that inspired…
Read MoreDr. Paula S. Malhotra of SKN Institute
Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): How did you decide on your area of specialization? Dr. Malhotra: I was initially drawn to dermatology because of my own experiences with severe acne and precancerous moles—challenges that allowed me to deeply relate to my patients’ concerns. What ultimately solidified my passion for the field was its unique blend of…
Read MoreDr. Rachel Bognet of CSC Steil Dermatology
Hindsdale Magazine Group (HMG): Who were your mentors, and how did they influence your current practice? Dr. Rachel Bognet: I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with many wonderful physicians along the way. From a very young age, I was enamored by my pediatrician, who could make even the sickest child laugh with his comedic…
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