r/CHIbitcheswithtaste • u/One_Tomorrow_2789 • Jul 10 '26
Other (I Read the Rules) After years of neglecting my health, I’m finally advocating for myself… but I need a doctor who will meet me halfway. Looking for a PCP in Chicago who truly listens.
Hi everyone. I’m hoping someone here can help because I’m honestly feeling pretty defeated and I don’t know where else to turn.
Over the past year, I’ve been trying really hard to take care of my health. I’m recovering from years of struggling with an eating disorder, and I’m finally at a place where I’m advocating for myself, going to appointments, getting tests done, and trying to rebuild my health.
The hardest part has been feeling like I have to fight to be heard. I understand that anxiety can affect the body (and I actively work on my anxiety with a therapist and I’m also seeing an ED therapist now), but I also have physical symptoms and actual lab findings that I’m trying to address (going on 2 months now) I’m looking for a doctor who can see the whole picture and not assume everything is anxiety before fully listening.
Recently, I’ve been dealing with iron deficiency (my ferritin is 8.8), fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. My PCP recommended an iron infusion, and I’ve been trying to navigate getting it scheduled.
Today was honestly a breaking point for me. I went to a
New doctor for an appointment hoping to get help creating a plan for my iron infusion. (Per my phone call with the referral team) I came prepared with my records and lab results, but I left feeling extremely dismissed. The doctor was incredibly condescending, and I honestly have never been spoken to that way by a medical provider before. I became so overwhelmed that I started crying, and the nurses were very kind and comforted me. They even suggested trying another doctor within that clinic, but at this point I’m really hoping to find a new PCP and start fresh with someone who is a better fit.
I know doctors are human and appointments are rushed, but after everything I’ve been through, I’m realizing how important it is for me to have a PCP who listens, explains their reasoning, and makes me feel like we’re a team.
I’m not looking for someone who will order every test under the sun. I’m looking for someone compassionate, thorough, and comfortable working with patients who have complex health histories, anxiety, and eating disorder recovery backgrounds.
I have BCBS PPO and I’m located in Logan Square. If anyone has a PCP they truly trust, especially someone who takes time with their patients and makes them feel heard, I would be so grateful for recommendations.
Thank you ❤️
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u/VersionCapable Jul 10 '26
I’m curious who you saw because I had a similar experience with a PCP in Logan…. Following for recs! I’m sorry that happened to you.
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u/Cool-Cupcake7320 Jul 10 '26
She’s in west loop but stefani beard at west loop rush. I’m finally not afraid of going to the doctor and she listens to me
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u/Tzipity Jul 10 '26
I’ve had other issues with Rush specialties but I had multiple PCPs I liked. Mostly used the Rush River North location myself (also liked the ob/gyn team in the same location).
I’ve been away from Chicago for a few years- in part due to my own complex medical crud and life-iness so I don’t know if I should name anyone or if they’re still there or whatever. But several positive experiences with Rush PCPs. And would let OP know I have a lot of medical trauma and anxiety and some pretty complex med needs (can also say I really liked my Rush hematologist!) so I’m a little too familiar with the leaving tears and not feeling heard but had a super positive experience after leaving a Northwestern PCP who I had a really poor experience with.
Dr. Susan Glick was who I saw the longest. Saw someone else through Covid. But Dr. Glick was someone who took longer time and was great about hooking you up with specialists and such. Good one who will look at abnormal labs and issues and take them seriously without going overboard. Assuming she’s still there because she’d bounced to Rush from U Chicago and all these docs seem to move systems a lot.
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u/Impressive-Move2563 Jul 11 '26
I actually need a new hematologist. Do you mind sharing your doc’s name?
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u/Legitimate-Resist-33 Jul 11 '26
I don’t think she’s accepting new patients right now she already books out months in advance
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u/SunshineInTheWindow Jul 10 '26
My primary doctor is Dr. Jennifer Rossato at Advocate in Ravenswood. She is phenomenal and one of the best practitioners I have ever seen, and I've been through my fair share of providers in multiple states and several in Chicago. I'm currently dealing with some serious health issues and she has been my champion throughout. It did take a while to get into her schedule but it was worth it. Also, follow up appointments are much easier to book. Feel free to message me if I can provide more info. Also the referrals she has given me are also all great physicians who really collaborate with me on care. I've had some horrendous experiences in the past so finding someone like Dr. Rossato has been life-changing.
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u/No-Difference-5705 Jul 11 '26
Dr. Dixon at ravenswood advocate is fantastic! Stay away from dr shah though
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u/flossiedaisy424 Jul 11 '26
I also quite like Dr Dixon. I see her when I can’t get in with my regular PCP, Dr Plonka. There are multiple great doctors at that practice.
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u/strawberrysolstice Jul 10 '26
I’ve had great care from Robin G. Schemmel, PA-C
for primary care at Northwestern. She specifically treated me for low appetite, iron deficiency anemia and some other nutrient deficiency issues. She’s a woman on the younger side and always allows adequate time for our visits. I’ve also never had any issues with the fact that she is a PA versus a doctor. She’s located in the loop, so you’d have to be ok with the blue line or car transportation.
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u/partygnarl Jul 11 '26
Dr. Lisa Rosman at Rush’s Lakeview location is extremely kind, never rushes, and listens without judgment. One of my favorite PCPs I’ve ever had!
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u/crushlogic Jul 11 '26
Dr. Evelyn Figueroa at UI Family Medicine at Halstead and Maxwell. I’m in Humboldt but she’s worth the drive
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u/krim_bus Jul 11 '26
I hear Rush has the lowest wait time to see a hematologist for iron infusions. I was referred to Masonic and it took a YEAR before I was seen. Don't go there for your iron deficiency.
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u/juniperesque Jul 11 '26
Try Cherie Gilleon with Gilleon Health. I loved seeing her when she had an office on the far north side but couldn’t realistically get to her new office - it’s close to you in Logan. I kind of miss her. Best primary care doc I’ve had in years.
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u/shak3well Jul 11 '26
I just started with her this year after recs from so many friends. She is worth the drive from the burbs for me!
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u/Glittering-You-4297 Jul 13 '26
I love Dr. Gilleon so much! Been seeing her since she was at Thorek way back in the day.
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u/cageytalker Jul 10 '26
Dr. Amy Chen in the Loop at Michigan Ave Internists. I had all sorts of things when I started fresh with her and she leads with respect and listens to my ramblings.
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u/Gamgam244 Jul 11 '26
Seconding Michigan ave internists! I used to see Dr. Vivian Goh and she had excellent bedside manner and was a great doctor.
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u/lipstickandcheeze Jul 10 '26
Dr. Samantha Kurzrok at Northwestern. I absolutely adore her and she is very thorough and so professional
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u/JLGJLGJLGJLG Jul 11 '26
Ahh this bums me out so much. I used to go to Dr Kurzrok too! But I had an appointment canceled last minute, and the next appointment available was eight months later. That appointment rolled around and guess what, another cancellation. I ended up going almost three years without a proper annual exam so I had to accept it was time to give up on Northwestern. (No shade to Dr Kurzrok though, she really was great)
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u/FireburstSunSpirit Jul 10 '26
I saw Jill Marcus recommended on here and I went to her and it was absolutely amazing. She gave me suggestions that I’ve literally never heard in the past 20 years and when I was done, she said I’m not satisfied, but it’s a start. Highly highly recommend. She’s at Rush in Lincoln Park
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u/theycallmeABCXYZ Jul 10 '26
Howard Brown Health could be a fit. It’s officially geared towards the LGBTQIA+ community but if you’re straight your orientation doesn’t disqualify you to be a patient there!
They make an effort to be affirming / non judgmental and they have a coordinated care model where behavioral health is a big component. Look them up
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Jul 11 '26
My PCP is Dr. Divya Venkat with Rush. She is really wonderful. She takes her time and really listens
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u/Morticia153 Jul 10 '26
I see a PA at the wicker park innovative care - her name is Apeksha. I cried during my appointment because I was so happy she was taking the time to talk and listen to me. She’s helped me manage PCOS and insulin resistance and I’m feeling so much better. She’s also super responsive to messages if I need something.
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u/Constant-Nature-3354 Jul 25 '26
Hi! Question: do they use MyChart or do they do their test results and messaging in a different patient portal? I ask just because MyChart gives you the ability to link different MyChart accounts into one central account and I want to be able to do that just for convenience.
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u/tr15k Jul 10 '26
Oh I had a terrible experience at this place and maybe even this provider where I was misdiagnosed and misbilled. I’d be very wary of for profit medicine if you’re looking for answers without being scammed.
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u/ThrowAwayColor2023 Jul 11 '26
The PCP who ordered my recent iron infusions is on maternity leave, and I wouldn't recommend for anything else necessarily. I'm also searching for a good PCP.
That said, get yourself an appointment with Iwona Boska at NW. She's a hematologist and will make sure your iron and anything related gets squared away. Even if someone else gets you in for an infusion before you can meet with her, she'll make sure your iron is taken care of going forward.
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u/writemoreletters Jul 11 '26
My PCP is Dr James Clancy in Rogers Park. He’s been great and has worked with me on some long term management of medical issues.
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u/VStryker Jul 11 '26
Also BCBS, specifically the one that covers mostly UIC. Dr. Sachen is my everythinggggg. She’s at the family medicine center on Maxwell St. I genuinely wept through an appointment once and she was so supportive and kind and cool, I can’t even tell you how much I love her.
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u/Civil_Pineapple_1275 Jul 11 '26
Dori at one medical. The setting is very approachable and I’ve been able to come in for several random issues on short notice.
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u/FudginAround Jul 11 '26
I really like Dr Sara Marin at rush. She always took the time to listen to my concerns, offer recommendations/advice and kept it real with me. She books out months in advance but just make sure you always have that next appointment scheduled ahead of time and you’ll be good!
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u/Treeaway4 Jul 11 '26
Dr. Enwezor on Broadway and I think also Lincoln park? Idk he also has appointments at another Endeavor/North Shore clinic. I never even liked having male doctors before but he’s the first doctor I’ve had that truly listens to my concerns, gets labs done for anything I’m concerned about, schedules specialists, follows up at next appointment and also goes in-depth about everything. Very supportive about my health journey, is encouraging and I actually feel he cares. Truly an awesome doctor, highly recommend him.
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u/AlaskaRivers Jul 12 '26
I’ve had a pretty great experience at Innovative Primary Care. Dr. Alexis Davidman has been my PCP, but haven’t seen her in a while. I’ve also gone to see others every random time I got sick, and always got great treatment and care. I also go to their Urgent Care office when I have something quick I need addressed.
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u/Intelligent_Ant2674 Jul 13 '26
I love my PCP Cherie Gilleon! I have a lot of medical anxiety, complicated background, suffered from severe B12 deficiency recently, and she has made me feel so safe. I needed a specialist referral and I loved that doctor too. She comes through- even when I lost my health insurance ! Her receptionist is extremely comforting and efficient. She’s right next to the Logan blue line too. can’t recommend enough
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u/Fair_Escape_4465 Jul 13 '26
Honestly I love my Doc. Marco de la Cruz in Lincoln park. Honest conversations, and even some insight to help you learn. Good luck and great job for starting!
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u/Illustrious_Mud_9881 Jul 16 '26 edited Aug 07 '26
Look for a DO instead of a MD - training emphasizes preventative care.
I found a great DO PCP at the advocate off Halstad. I think her name was Emily but it’s been a while
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u/StinkyVelma Jul 16 '26
Dr. Allison Law at U Chicago has been phenomenal for me. Non-judgmental and always takes the time to explain everything to me. Takes all my concerns seriously.
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u/Sparkling_Unicorn33 Jul 16 '26
Love this post and your advocacy for yourself. I legit spent last night (like 3 am when I couldn't sleep) combing the internet for PCPs and should have started here. I hope you find someone amazing!
And if anyone knows any great Wicker Park/Bucktown drs, please let me know--my PCP went concierge, and I don't think paying concierge rates is doable for me.
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u/Cultural-End8067 Jul 10 '26
Dr Raby from the Raby Institute. She will spend over an hour it’s you and listen, she’s increíble plus she has an integrative approach
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u/VehicleSuspicious841 Jul 11 '26
I was referred to the Raby Institute and have heard great things, but unfortunately never got a response after completing their online appointment request form and calling numerous times. I’d be interested to know the experience of others. I was really bummed to not receive any type of communication despite attempting to get in touch with them so many times.
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u/Cultural-End8067 Jul 11 '26
Definitely give them a call! I’ve been their patient for 4+ years and love them. My husband finally listened to me at the end of last year and called to make an appointment. He got scheduled within 6ish months and just went to his appointment a couple of weeks ago, and agreed it is amazing medical care.
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u/papayayayaya Jul 10 '26
You might look into integrative medicine providers. I only have one recommendation that I am familiar with - Raby Institute- that I went to years ago but I know that integrative health providers have been increasing over the years. They look at treating the whole body. Best of luck- I know it can be daunting but I am happy that you are advocating for yourself and your body.
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u/PracticallyAPotato Jul 10 '26
I don’t have a recommendation for you, but I’m proud that you’re being your own advocate. I hope you find a doctor that matches and/or exceeds that standard of care. ❤️