Finding a healthcare provider can be so daunting! It’s a question that comes up quite a bit, so a few months ago we asked you to nominate your favorite doctors in eleven categories, including pediatrician, primary care physician, eye doctor, allergist, pediatric dentist, orthodontist, dermatologist, chiropractor, OB/GYN, midwife, and doula, then voting followed in April. The results are in – the best doctors as voted by Kidlist readers!
We have included the top five voted healthcare providers in each category, except when there were ties. The winners in each category are featured with a photograph and short description to introduce themselves and their practice. Any runners-up you see below were first voted as one of the top five, then invited to upgrade their listing to provide you with more information about themselves and their practice. We did this so you can have more details to aid your decision and can trust that every listing in this guide features one of the best family care providers, based on Kidlist reader votes. I think you’ll find this guide very helpful in narrowing down your search for the best doctors in our area!
Please note that this content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers are advised to check the certification of any healthcare providers listed below and consult their own medical doctors before proceeding with a care plan.
If you would like to jump to a particular category, click or tap on one of the category names below and it will take you to that section in the guide.
Pediatrician | Primary Care Physician | Eye Doctor | Allergist | Pediatric Dentist | Orthodontist | Dermatologist | Chiropractor | OB/GYN | Midwife | Doula
Best Pediatrician
Winner: Marie Philobos at Advocate Health Care (Darien)
Runners-Up
- Jennifer Hall at DuPage Pediatrics (Darien)
Dr. Melanie Lachman has been at All Star Pediatrics for 10 years. She is a very caring and compassionate doctor. She is the mother of 3 active boys. You may see her on the soccer field or hockey rink. She treats her patients as if they were her own children. She is a dedicated and caring physician, as all staff at All Star Pediatrics! We pride ourselves on providing excellent comprehensive care from birth to young adults.
Dr. Lewis is one of the founders of All Star Pediatrics and has been a practicing pediatrician in the western suburbs for over 30 years. She is the mom of 3 and grandmother of 2. Our practice prides itself on prompt, personalized and compassionate care for children from infancy to college age. Although Dr. Lewis will be retiring this summer, she is confident that All Star Pediatrics will continue their legacy of excellence in pediatrics care.
- Michelle Toma at Loyola Center for Health (Oakbrook Terrace)
Best Primary Care Physician
Winner: Jennifer McGowen at Family Medicine Center (Woodridge)
Runners-Up
- Susan Rohde at Loyola University (Oakbrook Terrace)
- Jason Griffin at DuPage Medical Group (Hinsdale)
- Amy Hashimoto at DuPage Medical Group (Hinsdale)
- Ann Vogel at Clarendon Hills Family Practice (Clarendon Hills)
Best Eye Doctor
Winner: Lise Guay-Bhatia at DuPage Medical Group (Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Downers Grove, Hinsdale)
As a practicing board-certified Ophthalmologist for over 25 years, Dr. Guay-Bhatia is known for her friendly and compassionate demeanor. She specializes in adult and pediatric ophthalmology, with a primary focus on amblyopia (lazy eye), pediatric strabismus, diplopia (double vision) and pediatric eye trauma, infections and inflammation. She also sees special needs patients of all ages. Dr. Guay-Bhatia is a member of DuPage Medical Group with locations in Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale and Naperville. For appointments with Dr. Guay-Bhatia, please contact 630.322.8300.
Runners-Up
Make Combs EyeCare & EyeWear your family’s Vision Source in Western Springs! We pride ourselves on giving comprehensive exams to all of our patients – no matter what age. As doctors of Optometry, Irene D. Combs, OD and Carolyn J. Newcome Sparks, OD work with each patient to ensure their eyes are evaluated thoroughly.
Regular visits to your local optometrist will allow assessment of the visual system to for blur, dryness, fatigue, headaches, and red or itchy eyes. During the course of a comprehensive exam you will be informed of any concerns regarding your or your childs eyes regarding why blur was occurring, the best treatment, how the eyes work together, glaucoma risk, any signs of cataracts, and macular degeneration.
- Michael Macek at Downers Grove Eye Center (Downers Grove)
- Michelle Andreoli at Wheaton Eye Clinic (Wheaton, Naperville, Plainfield, Hinsdale)
- Charles Philippou at Clarendon Eye Associates (Clarendon Hills)
- Noha Ekdawi at Wheaton Eye Clinic (Wheaton, Naperville, Plainfield)
Best Allergist
Winner: Renee Lantner at Western Springs Asthma & Allergy (Western Springs)
After nearly thirty years taking care of kids and adults, I still find what’s most rewarding is listening to patients and their families; not only is the best way for me to figure out a problem, but I learn what’s unique about every patient, a huge part of what makes medicine such a joy and a privilege. I enjoy the challenges of treating asthma, eczema, allergies, hives, chronic cough, recurrent infections and food allergy, but I’m also very invested in whole health, incorporating diet, exercise and mindfulness where appropriate. A native Clevelander and Northwestern grad, I’ve lived in Western Springs for 27 years, starting out teaching and practicing at Loyola for the first ten, then off to private practice.
Runners-Up
- Mark Jacobson at Allergy & Asthma Physicians (Hinsdale)
- Tim Brown at Lurie’s Children’s Hospital (Chicago)
- Raymond Pongonis at Oak Brook Allergists (Oak Brook)
- Joyce Rabbat Loyola Center for Health (Oakbrook Terrace)
Best Family Dentist
All of the following dentists are either pediatric dentists or cater to the entire family.
Winner: Mark Cabana at Grove Dental Associates (Downers Grove, Lombard, Wheaton, Bolingbrook)
“I like to see children with a big, beautiful smile. I do whatever I can to make children’s dental care gentle and as painless as possible.” -Mark Cabana
At Grove Dental, the entire family can go to the same dental office. In addition to pediatric dentists, Grove has general dentists, and all dental specialists on staff. Simultaneous appointments are often available for parents and children.
“It warms my heart to see a child go from being afraid of the dentist to actually looking forward to their next visit. That’s what keeps me practicing.” Your family’s smiles are precious, let Mark Cabana and Grove Dental take care of them with four convenient locations open six days a week. For more information, visit www.GroveDental.com.
Runners-Up
- Mira Albert at Brush Pediatric Dentistry (Hinsdale)
- Sukhjit Kaur at Smiles for Life Pediatric Dentistry (La Grange)
Eric G. Jackson, DDS, MAGD, FICOI, FICD, FADI is co-owner of Oral Health Care Professionals, LLC located at 2033 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Founded in 1980, we continuously strive to be the best family dental office in the western suburbs of Chicago. We provide General & Cosmetic Dentistry for children & adults living in Downers Grove and nearby communities. Additionally, Dr. Jackson offers both surgical placement and restoration of dental implants, sinus grafting, guided bone regeneration, laser surgery & laser dentistry, Invisalign orthodontic treatment, snoring and sleep apnea devices, and minor periodontal surgeries all from the convenience of our office to provide the most complete comprehensive dental care possible.
For Dr. Jackson’s full biography please visit his website: http://www.ericjacksondds.com/our-doctors.html
- Kiley Hirons at Dental Loft (La Grange)
Best Orthodontist
Winner: Richard Battistoni at Battistoni and Beam Orthodontics (La Grange, Oak Park)
“I love my job because it allows me to change a person’s self-esteem and give them a smile they are proud of while improving their overall health.”
“Orthodontics runs in my family. My father started our Oak Park practice and I was able to work side by side with him for seven wonderful years. Recently, my son-in-law joined our practice. I’ve known John since he was in grade school, so the family tradition continues.”
Drs. Battistoni, Beam and Polivka have offices in Oak Park and La Grange and have been serving the western suburbs for many years. We treat a wide range of patients, from young children to older adults. We look for a conservative approach to finding a healthy bite combined with a beautiful smile. Visit us at awesomebraces.com.
Runners-Up
- Robert Girgis (Woodridge)
- Richard Schuberth (Willowbrook)
- Richard Callahan at Callahan Orthodontics (Downers Grove)
- David Allen at Wheaton Orthodontic Center (Wheaton)
- Milan Doshi at Doshi Orthodontics (Elmhurst)
Best Dermatologist
Winner: Wendy Kim at Loyola (Burr Ridge, La Grange Park)
- Matthew Harris at Illinois Dermatology Institute (Hinsdale)
- Annette Wagner at Lurie Children’s Hospital (Westchester)
- Alix Charles at DuPage Medical Group (Hinsdale, Lombard)
- Virginia Allen at Dermatology Associates (Oakbrook Terrace)
- Stacy McClure at Dermatology Associates of LaGrange (La Grange, Lombard)
Best OB/GYN
In the OB/GYN category there was a tie for the winner.
Winner: Gayle Simmons at Healthcare For Women (Downers Grove)
Winner: Dwight Kett at DuPage Medical Group (Hinsdale)
As a practicing board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist for 30 years, Dr. Kett is focused on patient-centered care, working in close collaboration with other physicians to coordinate individualized healthcare plans for his patients. He specializes in the treatment of gestational diabetes, pregnancy and hormonal issues including menopause, pregnancy and infertility. He also has broad surgical experience. Dr. Kett is a member of DuPage Medical Group practicing in Hinsdale. For appointments with Dr. Kett, please contact 630.920.2229.
Runners-Up
Dr. Susan Murrey graduated from Indiana University with a psychology major and chemistry minor. She traded commodities for five years at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, then returned to school to pursue her true passion and graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Dr. Murrey completed residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. As a founding physician of West Suburban Women’s Health with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Murrey shares an exceptional bond with her patients as she guides them through all phases of life.
- Michael Bercek at DuPage Medical Group (Hinsdale)
Dr. Joan Cardone grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana where she received a BS in Biochemistry. While in medical school at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she used her biochemistry skills and conducted research in the field of reproductive endocrinology with a particular emphasis in infertility treatment. After completing medical school, Dr. Cardone moved to Los Angeles where she completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA. Dr. Cardone currently focuses her expert care on gynecological services and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Dr. Cardone is one of the founding physicians of West Suburban Women’s Health and combines her 22 years of experience with her compassionate bedside manner to make her relationships with her pts very special.
- Cathy Halperin at DuPage Medical Group (La Grange, Bolingbrook)
Best Midwife
Winner: Hillary Keiser at Gentle Birth Care (Oak Park, Chicago, Wheaton)
Hillary Kieser, CNM, ANP, MS: Hillary has been involved in childbirth and supporting women since 1985, when she was told by her first Midwife that she should become a CNM, and the idea took root. After barely arriving at the hospital for her second baby, Hillary had the next three babies at home, and one was a water birth. She started as a Bradley teacher and worked as a Nurse and then a Midwife for a home birth practice. In 2000, she started West Suburban Midwife Associates with a CNM partner. In 2009, she sold the practice, and went back to her true love: home birth, by starting Gentle Birth Care, Inc. The business has now grown to 4 midwives, with 8 nurse assistants. In 2016 the practice cared for 193 women, with 183 vaginal births, & 174 born at home. Hillary is also privileged to deliver at Hinsdale Hospital to provide easy transfer into a hospital, if medical treatment is necessary. Her philosophy is that birth is a natural sacred event, and low-risk women just need a safe, comfortable space with a supportive trained provider to achieve a beautiful birth.
Runners-Up
Shari Haney, Certified Nurse Midwife, is a graduate of the James Ward Thorne School of Nursing, University of St. Francis, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Shari has spent over 30 years supporting women through pregnancy and childbirth and has been practicing in the Hinsdale-LaGrange area as a certified nurse-midwife since she completed her graduate education in 1997. Shari believes in a personalized approach to health and pregnancy, supported by a great sense of humor. She enjoys caring for women from their teen years on through the mysteries of menopause. Shari is married and lives in LaGrange Park with her husband.
- Sandra Uribe at Loyola Medicine (Maywood)
My journey to midwifery began with an interest in out of hospital birth and a desire to care for women. I completed my B.S. in Nursing and M.S. in Women’s Health from Columbia University in NYC. I then completed the Post-Masters in Nurse Midwifery at University of Illinois in Chicago. It is an honor to work with women during such a monumental time in their lives. I look forward to serving, learning, and growing with women in the Chicagoland area for years to come. I treasure both my experience working at Gentle Birth Care caring for families that are choosing home birth and also working in the hospital setting providing midwifery care where it is greatly needed.
- Megan Belleavia at OMG Women’s Healthcare (Hinsdale)
- Mary Saracco at Edward-Elmhurst Health (Elmhurst)
Best Doula
In the doula category there was a three way tie for the winner!
Winner: Vanessa Feuerstein (Brookfield)
I’ve been a natural childbirth educator for eight years and a doula for five years. It is my passion to educate and empower families who desire a more natural approach to childbirth. My goal as a doula is always to assist the couple in their most vulnerable state. I make sure my couples know that I am not there to replace the partner, I am merely there to assist and make their experience one they treasure. If you are interested in contacting me for childbirth classes or as a doula, please call or email me @ 773.988.7732 or Vanessa.feuerstein@gmail.com. The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth Instructor and Professional Birth Doula
Winner: Valerie Drews at Birth and Wellness with Valerie (Downers Grove)
Focusing on the whole self, Valerie Drews, labor-trained birth doula, is a former teacher turned certified yoga instructor and holistic life coach supporting women in the Chicagoland area and Western Suburbs. As a birth doula, Valerie provides physical, emotional and informational support to families during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. The goal is to help women and their partners achieve the birth they desire while maintaining a positive experience. Valerie believes in cultivating a community of women who feel healthy, strong and confident. Childbirth is an empowering and unique experience. It not only brings the birth of a baby, but also the birth of a mother.
Winner: Karry Anderson at Heart of Touch Massage (La Grange)
Karry Wolf Anderson ~ First and formost I am a mother of 3 incredible boys & a wife. I am a licensed massage therapist and birth doula. Working with people from all walks of life and all stages of their lives is an honor. I am passionate about educating clients about THEIR CHOICES in birth and bodywork with no judgements. I support women, children, men by providing information, knowledge, and to support them physically, spiritually and emotionally. This work has changed my life profoundly. I love what I do! Each person has their story and teaches me so much about this life! Thank you.
Runners-Up
- Lindsey Murray at Sacred River Birth Services (Downers Grove)
- Annelise Wagner-Hicks at Doula DuPage (Wheaton)
Chicago Family Doulas is a full service doula agency supporting families throughout the Chicagoland area. Our doulas provide labor support, postpartum support, classes and placenta encapsulation. We have an amazing reputation of providing our clients with personalized, professional and compassionate support. Our postpartum doulas care for mom, baby, family and the entire household day and night. We care for mom, baby and siblings, we cook, do laundry and light housekeeping, run errands and more. Labor support includes support during pregnancy, labor and directly following the birth. Your doula will bring wisdom, a sense of calm, unconditional support, unbiased care and will help to keep labor moving in a positive direction. We have an amazing team who has gained a reputation of being one of the very best doula agencies in the Chicago area.
Best Chiropractor
Winner: Michelle Boyd at Back in Balance (Western Springs)
Dr. Michelle McPolin Boyd and her husband Dr. Brian Boyd, are the owners of Back in Balance Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center located in her hometown of Western Springs. They have been in practice over 15 years and enjoy helping all ages achieve optimal health through a holistic and caring approach to wellness. They utilize chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition and therapeutic massage to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Their office is located at 518 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, 708-588-8270. More information can also be found on their website www.bibchiropractic.com.
Runners-Up
- Dr. Tim Weselak at West Suburban Wellness (Lombard)
- Dr. David Krueger at Active Health Chiropractic Clinic (Westmont)
- Frank Di Iorio at Meadowcrest Chiropractic (La Grange Park)
- Chirag Shah at Chiro One (Burr Ridge)
If you are a doctor included on this list and would like to introduce yourself and your practice to Kidlist readers, please contact Annie at annie@mykidlist.com.
1 Comment. Leave new
Don’t forget the Lactation Consultants! ?