Dr. Barry Summers, M.D., Ph.D, F.A.C.S.

Dr. Barry Summers graduated with Honors from Drake University with a Bachelor's in Biology. He spent two years in post-graduate work involved with the subject of circulatory physiology.

Dr. Summers then entered a six-year M.D./Ph.D. program at The Chicago Medical School. He received a full tuition scholarship through medical school and graduated with his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. His Ph.D. thesis involved cardiovascular physiology. He then went on to complete a General Surgery Residency at The University of Chicago Hospitals and Mount Sinai Medical Center. After residency, he pursued a private practice, which consists of general surgery and phlebology.

Dr. Summers is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His professional memberships include:

• American College of Surgeons
• SAGES
• American Society of Breast Surgeons
• American College of Phlebology
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

Dr. Summers has remained active in the medical community and is currently a clinical instructor for surgical residents at the University of Illinois Metro Surgical Program. He has also had teaching experience in the Department of Surgery at Finch University of Medical Sciences, The Chicago Medical School and in the Department of Biosciences at Drake University.

Honors/Awards:

• Full Medical School Tuition Scholarship
• Surgery Clerkship Award
• Recipient: American College of Surgeons
• Annual Medical Student Award

Dr. Summers is affiliated with St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital and Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital.

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Emily Lindner, M.D.

(patients seen at Lakeview office only)

Dr. Emily Lindner is a unique, board certified internal medicine physician whose diverse academic education integrated with her expansive complimentary medicine training, allows her to offer a holistic comprehensive approach to patient care. Dr. Lindner sought additional post-doctoral training in: Hypnotherapy, Gestalt Therapy, Voice Dialogue, Internal Family System Psychoanalysis and Addiction Medicine to further understand the mind-body connection underlying many illnesses and disease states. Dr. Lindner studied Shaminism with Amazonian and Andean Indians in Ecuador and she pursued further training for certification in: Women's medicine (including bio-identical hormone replacement), Functional Nutritional Medicine (Vitamins/Nutrition/Metabolic basis of health), Traditional Chinese Medicine including Acupuncture and Qui Gong, Ayurvedic Medicine, Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) AND Quantum Biofeedback (Dr. Lindner is one of only a few physicians in the Chicago metropolitan area trained in SCIO quantum Biofeedback.

Dr. Lindner's approach to health care is very different from typical Western medicine. She begins with an extended history and it is not unusual for an individual to meet her on several occasions until a global, comprehensive wellness plan is created. Since Dr. Lindner believes that individuals must participate in their own health care to achieve optimal results, she shares her knowledge freely to work as a team with each patient to achieve the goals of superior health and well-being. Dr. Lindner avoids use of Western medicines whenever possible while achieving wellness through proper nutritional counseling, addressing psyche-soma issues, employing the use of pharmaceutical grade vitamins, supplements and nutraceuticals, in addition to exercise.

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Jessica L. Fanning, Esthetician, Certified Laser Specialist, Instructor, General Manager

Jessica received her Bachelors Degree from University of Iowa in 2002. In 2003, she returned to school for skin care after a being diagnosed and successfully treated for basal cell carcinoma (the most common form of skin cancer). She completed over 1000 clinical hours at the University of Aesthetics in Downer Grove, IL where she received her degree to become an Esthetician. Jessica graduated top of her class with honors.

Jessica immediately developed an interest in corrective skin care treatments. She went on to receive an advanced Laser Safety Officer certification, three chemical peel certifications, a microdermabrasion certification, and three laser certifications. Jessica has six years of experience performing laser treatments such as laser hair removal, facial and leg vein therapy, photofacials, and rosacea and acne treatments. In addition, she also has experience in esthetic treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, electro-stimulation, light therapy, and recommending home care programs.

Jessica has appeared on 190 North, Fox News, ABC News and the CW Network for her expertise in cosmetic laser treatments and "How to Choose a Medical Spa".

In her extra time, Jessica trains Doctors and nurses in the area on how to safely and effectively perform cosmetic laser and esthetic treatments. She is also dedicated to continuing her education on up-to-date trends in the medical spa world, healthy aging inside and out, and laser safety.

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Korina H. Ebel, Assistant Manager, Educational Director, Esthetician, Certified Laser Specialist

Korina moved to Chicago from Michigan in 2001 seeking an Esthetic program that would meet her goals of natural skin care. She attended the Aveda Institute of Chicago graduating at the top of her class. This was the beginning of a long term passion of treating the skin naturally as a whole through the body, mind and spirit.

The previous years have brought experience in many aspects of the beauty industry. Working in an environment, where Eastern and Western Medicine are combined, Korina has found her place for successful results and excited patients. With extensive training in Laser Hair Removal, Intense Pulsed Light, Isolaz Therapy, Vascular treatments, Microdermabrasion, Pharmaceutical grade Chemical Peels and Medium depth TCA Jessners, she has a variety of treatments available to customize.

Korina specializes in treating pre-post pregnancy skin. With natural organic skin care (healing), Intensed Pulsed Light (melasma), Isolaz Therapy (acne) and a Vascular Laser Treatment (spider veins), as well as customized treatments throughout pregnancy for the face and belly, she is able to keep you looking your best throughout your special time and unexpected skin changes.

In her spare time Korina enjoys spending time with her son, husband, friends and family, traveling and being outdoors. She is a member of the American Academy of Esthetics, Look Good Feel Better Program, Working Chicago Moms, and is a Laser Safety Officer.  A recent article has been posted in this segment of Expectant Mothers Guide of Chicago, titled Pregnancy Skin- Health Benefits of Facials, written by Korina .

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Carrie Taylor, Medical Esthetician & Laser Specialist

Carrie was born and raised in the Washington DC area then moved to Chicago in 2003 to pursue a degree in Fashion Marketing and Management from the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. She graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor in Fine Arts with honors, then unleashed her hidden passion for skin care.

Carrie had struggled with her own personal skin conditions as a teenager and was then later diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma from too much sun exposure in her early years of high school as a lifeguard. After this long battle, Carrie developed an interpersonal relationship with the importance of long-term skin care. She enrolled at Pivot Point International Academy in 2006 where she would achieve the best education in Esthetics available. She graduated at the top of her class with a 4.0 G.P.A. She wanted to further pursue a career as a Medical Esthetics. Carrie has completed over 1000 clinical hours in advanced skincare and internship programs in medical settings. This additional training enables her to excel in her field as an Aesthetician. 

She has received an advanced Laser Safety Officer certification, a PCA Skin Certification in skin biology and physiology, three chemical peel certifications from PCA & Glycolic Peels, a Microdermabrasion certification, and four laser certifications from Alma, Cutera, Aesthera and Syneron Lasers Systems.

Carrie's expertise is performing laser treatments such as Photofacials for sun-damaged skin, Levulan, Isolaz Acne Treatments and facial and leg vein therapy. In addition, she also has experience in Esthetic treatments such as deep pore cleansing facials, Glycolic, Jessner and TCA chemical peels, Microdermabrasion, and recommending an efficient home care regimen for her clients that will help them achieve the best results outside the treatment room.

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Yang Hua Zou, LA.c

Dr. Zou is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with over 30 years of experience. During 1971-1975, Dr. Zou received training in programs of general surgery, acupuncture anesthesia, and surgery emergency. In Shanghai, China, Dr. Zou started practicing as a Medical Doctor at Zhongshan Hospital. He started as an attending doctor in 1980 and reached the level of Associate Professor in 1993.

In 1978, Dr. Zou's first paper was published. Since then, he has had four other papers published in academic journals. He has done extensive research on treating acute abdominal conditions and worked in the area of renal transplantation and administered successful treatments using the combined therapy of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

Utilizing acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and medical Qi Gong, Dr. Zou has successfully treated patients with more than a hundred different diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, heart disease, pain, gastrointestinal disorders, fatigue, and arthritis.

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Monique Wheeler, L.Ac. Dipl. Om, M.S.T.O.M.

After 10 years of working as a city planner, Monique moved to Chicago to change careers and pursue her interest in the body, health and wellness. She completed a Master's of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago. She is also a diplomate in Oriental Medicine and is Board Certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

Monique's areas of interest as an Acupuncturist are women's health (menstrual disorders, infertility, PMS, menopause), psycho-emotional disorders (anxiety, depression, stress related problems), insomnia, fatigue, chronic allergies/sinus infections, low immune function, and digestive disorders (related to acne and rosacea). She also enjoys working with seniors and the issues that arise with aging.

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Stacy Howland, Certified Pilates Instructor

Stacy began studying Yoga and Pilates close to 10 years ago. She completed her Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Certification through Body Arts and Science International™ an internationally recognized leader in Pilates education.

After spending 11 years in Advertising, she decided to make a transition from the corporate world to the health and wellness industry. It was through her own personal health experiences 4 years ago, that she found Thrive Integrative Medical Spa and began a new, holistic lifestyle focusing on restoring, rebalancing and rejuvenating her own mind and body. Pilates was a practice that contributed, and still continues to be critical, to her overall wellness and well-being.

Stacy has a deep understanding as to how Pilates can benefit individuals in pursuit of a healthy balanced lifestyle, including those suffering from chronic health conditions such as weight gain, hormone imbalance, autoimmune disorders, fatigue and back pain. She also has pre-natal and rehabilitation experience for various spinal and muscular conditions.

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Nancy West, Esthetician & Laser Specialist

Nancy West is an expert in the realm of aesthetic lasers for treatments to help patients find the correct procedures for looking good and feeling their best. On behalf of four different cosmetic laser manufacturers, Nancy has in the past developed, organized and presented training programs for technicians and doctors in the use of multiple cosmetic laser systems.

With over 18 years of experience in the aesthetic medical industry her next passion began when participating in the FDA testing and approval for the Accent XL system. Watching the amazing results of cellulite reduction, body shaping and contouring with this device, the Accent XL became her dream. She continues to advise the manufacturer on improvements for treatment protocol.

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Patti Gran, Medical Esthetician

Patti received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida International University in 2001. With a long-standing interest in dermatology, she went on to receive her degree in Medical Esthetics from the University of Aesthetics in Chicago, IL where she graduated at the top of her class and began working with some of Chicago’s top physicians.

Patti has a clinical approach to skin care and has a special interest in adult onset acne, rosacea, and acne/hirsutism due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Patti is currently finishing her B.S.N. and will continue to specialize in dermatology and skin care.

With extensive clinical training, Patti utilizes both laser and esthetic treatments such as Isolaz therapy (acne), Intensed Pulsed Light therapy (post-acne hyperpigmentation), medium depth and superficial peels, laser genesis (rosacea), and Levulan to treat an array of conditions.

Patti firmly believes not only in treating the superficial issue, but also in finding the underlying problem. With this in mind, she utilizes the Thrive team of acupuncture, internal medicine, and nutrition specialists when needed.

In her spare time, Patti enjoys playing music, reading, and following the latest advancements in dermatology and esthetics.

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Jeffrey Bush, Personal Trainer

Jeffrey Bush, M.S., Exercise Physiologist, is a Certified Personal Trainer and Health Enhancement Specialist with 18 years of professional, personal training experience. He also holds coaching certifications from U.S. Rowing and The American Swimming Coaches Association, resulting from his competitive athletic background in both Rowing and U.S. Masters competitive swimming.

Jeff’s broad client base consists of people with specific therapeutic needs, including those undergoing doctor-supervised rehabilitation, older adults, people with diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions; active people, wanting to become more fit; competitive athletes (from high school to “weekend warriors” and Olympic hopefuls) and fitness novices, who want to commit to shape up and trim down.

Jeff holds an M.S. in Kinesiology (Exercise Science) from The University of Michigan and a Certificate of Graduate Study in Worksite Health Promotion from The University of Michigan School of Public Health. He is one of only 12 personal trainers selected in a nationwide search to be a Fellow of the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE), to create the first national board examination for the personal training industry.

Currently co-authoring a book, with leading scientific and medical authorities, addressing the neuroendocrine effects of exercise on ADHD, Jeff also consults with ADHD Centers of America, LLC, an organization providing treatment and support services for adults and children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

With a strong commitment to helping people enhance their health and well-being, Jeff is proud to align his customized services with the Thrive team.

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