Issues
Better Together
Inside the Chicago Area Tandem Society BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO AREA TANDEM SOCIETY Two seats, two sets of pedals, perfectly synchronized: a moving display of teamwork and trust. Tandem cycling demands coordination, communication, and a shared rhythm. Every pedal stroke is a partnership. Riders quickly learn that the success of…
Read MoreHealing on a Higher Note
How ECPA and Freedom Sings turned trauma into art By Laura Michaud and Melissa G. Wilson The Encore Center for Performing Arts (ECPA) is no stranger to bringing powerhouse talent to DuPage County. From Hamilton’s Miguel Cervantes to rock icon Cathy Richardson, they know how to draw a crowd. But their recent collaboration with Nashville’s…
Read MoreIs Your Charitable Gift Making an Impact?
How to evaluate not-for-profit organizations before you give BY DAVE MCGOWAN You just received a request to make a gift to a not-for-profit organization and, while you are interested in and believe in the cause, you wonder if your charitable gift would be a good investment. So, how will you know? Well, there are many…
Read MoreDr. Rachel Bognet
CSC Steil Dermatology Dr. Rachel Bognet’s approach to dermatology is rooted in mentorship, curiosity, and a commitment to continual growth. Early influences shaped not only her career path but also how she connects with patients today. “My mentor in residency was most influential in how I practice… with a commitment to fixing even the most…
Read MoreDr. Paula S. Malhotra
SKN Institute For Dr. Paula Malhotra, dermatology is about far more than treating skin. It is about helping patients feel confident, understood, and genuinely supported at every step of their care. At SKN Institute in Elmhurst, she blends advanced medical technology with a compassionate, patient-centered approach, ensuring every visit prioritizes both outcomes and experience. Her…
Read MoreNaper Grove Vision Care
For families across Downers Grove, Hinsdale, and the western suburbs, quality eye care has meant one thing for more than seven decades: Naper Grove Vision Care. Today, under the leadership of Dr. Michael Halkias, now the sole owner of the 77-year-old practice, the business continues to grow by building on its longstanding reputation. “Taking full…
Read MoreMAIA Gynecology
After years in a large, private-equity-owned practice, Dr. Karen Wolowick recognized a shift in priorities that no longer aligned with her vision for patient care. The focus had become volume-driven, leaving little time for meaningful connections. Determined to create something different, she opened MAIA Gynecology as an independent practice built around one core principle: putting…
Read MoreDr. Justin LaReau
Hinsdale Orthopaedics A defining moment during his training at the University of Michigan Medical School set Dr. Justin LaReau on the path to orthopedic surgery. Assisting in a complex joint reconstruction, he saw firsthand how surgery could restore mobility and quality of life. “Seeing the patient’s ability to regain mobility and quality of life after…
Read MoreDr. Christina Steil
CSC Steil Dermatology Early in her training, Dr. Christina Steil was drawn to basic science research and initially thought she would pursue a PhD and work primarily in a lab. As she moved through medical school and residency, she realized she would miss working directly with people if she continue with a career dedicated solely…
Read MoreDr. Michael Byun
Chicago Cosmetic Surgery Dr. Michael Byun’s approach to facial rejuvenation is grounded in a deep understanding of anatomy and a commitment to natural-looking results. Trained at Northwestern University Medical School, where he completed an integrated plastic surgery fellowship, he developed a distinct technique known as The Byun Lift—designed to address the limitations he observed in…
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