Looking for GOOD Doctors in N. Illinios

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mndo4
mndo4 Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I may need to find a surgeon in Northern Ill. (Chicago or surrounding area) I figured the best place to start is with the experts. You Guys! If any one out there has information on a doctor good or bad please post so that I can make an informed choice. Thanks

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  • cammie
    cammie Member Posts: 102
    #2
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    I am not from your area. But I do know good doctor, bad doctor is only the opinion of one person. I was set up with a "good doctor", but our personalities didn't match up. I changed doctors and was very happy I did. A lot is going to depend on your communication with your doctor and how they respond to your needs. Good Luck. Cammie
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #3
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    Hi:

    I'm thinking that advise from other's can be helpful but should not be taken as the final word on any physician.

    Your best bet is to ring your local hospital physician referral services. They can tell you a doctor's training, where, when and how long. Also, specialty, any research experience and how long he/she has been in practice in your area. This info can also give you a good idea of the doctor's age, in case you prefer an older, middle aged or younger physician or have a gender preference. When you ring the doctor's office, the receptionist will usually have a "rap" sheet and can answer many of your preliminary questions over the phone before you even make an appointment. Can save some time.

    Another avenue may be to get in touch with a few local support groups for your particular issue and you'll likely find other's who can offer their opinion of the doctor's on your list.

    Perhaps your doctor who thinks you may need to find a surgeon could help you out with a referral to someone he trusts/respects. A few consult appoints should give you a pretty good idea of what a dr. is like and how you feel about him/her. What suits someone else to a tee may not fit you at all. YOU must be comfortable with whomever you choose. Best of luck.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • DJC
    DJC Member Posts: 52
    #4
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    Hi Mndo4 - I live in the village of Algonquin (Northwestern Chicagoland). I've had absolutely incredible success with the 3 primary physicians working on my case - Sara J. Fredrickson, M.D., F.A.C.S. (my surgeon specializing in breast diseases - office located in Bloomingdale), Bahram Ghaderi, M.D. (my plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction - office located in St. Charles) and Gary S. Gordon, M.D. (my Oncologist - offices located in Elk Grove Village and Arlington Heights). I am covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield and these physicians have membership in their respective regional network(s). All of these physicians are extremely patient centric. In fact, I have access to my plastic surgeon via e-mail - check out his practice's site at www.stcharlesplasticsurgery.com. He spent an incredible amount of time on the initial phase of my receonstruction (my final surgery will be scheduled for this coming Spring) and I am quite pleased with the result - I've also received numerous compliments from other medical professionals on his work. If you'd like to correspond more on this subject or speak in person - I can be reached at this site via e-mail or at my office address - dcooper@industryrailway.com. Good Luck with your search! Donna
  • stillgood
    stillgood Member Posts: 46
    #5
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    Well, I think my surgeon was the best. Dr. Thomas Witt of Rush University in Chicago. I had a bilateral mastectomy in July 2002. I spoke with him before the surgery and he explained what he saw in the biopsy and mamograms and what he felt would be the most effective surgery for me. He did not think doing a lumpectomy would be good for my survival. Once I had my surgery, he stuck around the hospital to see how I was doing. My surgery/reconstruction/recovery didn't get me back in my room until 9:30 p.m. My surgery was early that morning.

    He visited me daily to see how I was feeling. The hospital wanted to discharge me before I really wanted to go. He told me that I did not have to leave the hospital if I did not feel comfortable leaving. He would make sure of that.

    I'm saying all of this to say that Dr. Thomas Witt is an excellent surgeon. My mother's surgeon (she had a mastectomy a month before I did) knows him from when they went to school. She remembered him and say he was the best.

    He is a caring man with a big heart. He will explain whatever you need clarification in.

    He's great. If I had to have surgery again, I would go to him.

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