Category Archives: Doctors
AHF Pharmacy Chicago
DID YOU KNOW about the new pharmacy in Lakeview?
The Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global nonprofit organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 1,500,000 people in 45 countries. “We are currently the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world.”
The Lakeview pharmacy is located within the Out of the Closet Thrift Store and provides same day delivery, assistance with medication adherence, co-pay assistance on PrEP and HIV medications, and mail delivery along with traditional pharmacy services. They are a full-scale pharmacy so anyone can come fill medications with them in a discreet and inviting location.
Since 1987, AHF has cared for thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide. “As we create and implement new programs in communities across the U.S. and abroad, we expand delivery of healthcare and influence over policy with the aim of saving more lives.”
AHF- Lakeview Healthcare Center and AHF Wellness and HIV testing is on-site of this location as well @ 3311 N Halsted. St Chicago, IL 60657.
Free Hiv Test June 27th
Greater Than AIDS has partnered with Walgreens and the Howard Brown Health Clinic to provide free, confidential HIV testing at the Boystown Walgreens (Broadway & Waveland) Wednesday, June 27th, from 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Members from the clinic will be on site at Walgreens in private rooms administering tests, providing results, answering questions, and providing counseling on prevention, early treatment, and PrEP – no appointment needed.
National HIV Testing Day will provide free HIV tests in 180 cities this year, including 22 Walgreens locations in Chicago.
Greater Than AIDS is a leading public information response to the U.S. domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic with a focus on areas and people most affected.
Emphasizing hope, unity and personal empowerment, Greater Than AIDS is about what is possible when we come together. Whether HIV negative or positive, we all have a role to play in ending HIV/AIDS.
Hepatitis C on the Rise
Howard Brown Health Issues Statement on
Newly Released Hepatitis C Data from the CDC
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released preliminary data showing that hepatitis C–related deaths are at an all-time high in the United States. The data finds that more Americans now die as a result of hepatitis C infection than from 60 other infectious diseases reported to the CDC – including HIV, tuberculosis, and pneumococcal disease – combined.
In response, Dr. Magda Houlberg, Chief Clinical Officer for Howard Brown Health, release the following statement:
“Howard Brown Health has been working to increase the numbers of patients screened for hepatitis C (HCV) and to use the most up-to-date treatment approaches for the people we serve. The numbers released by the CDC are very concerning, especially considering risk factors prevalent in the LGBTQ and other communities. Howard Brown uses a unique, multidisciplinary approach to HCV screening and treatment, which includes screening in primary care and sexual health walk-in settings, nurse education, case management, and pharmacy support. With aggressive screening and a robust approach to treatment, we can decrease these numbers in the future.”
In 2015, Howard Brown Health screened 5,743 unique patients for HCV, with a positivity rate of 2.5%. Also in 2015, an HCV project team was formed, meeting weekly to review patients on treatment, or in queue for, treatment. All Howard Brown physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants participate in a training for community-based medical providers in effectively treating HCV in the primary care setting.
In 2015 Howard Brown’s HCV team served 192 patients living with active HCV, and cured 44 patients.
Factors that contribute to the spread of HCV include lack of access to healthcare, stigma, lack of availability of sterile needles and syringes for hormone treatment, outdated views, lack of available sterile needles and syringes for people who inject drugs, barriers to education and screening, sexual transmission, and poor insurance coverage.
Dr. Houlberg added, “We encourage people concerned about possible HCV infection or who need guidance exploring treatment options to consult medical experts.”
Howard Brown’s Walk-in Clinic offers access to screening on a sliding-scale fee structure six-days a week. Hours and other information are posted at howardbrown.org. Patients may also consult their provider on an appointment basis. Call 773-388-1600 to schedule an appointment.
Best Hair Replacement Techniques in Chicago
Many men and women are very self-conscious about thinning hair and hair loss.
While aging may be the most obvious culprit, many doctors suggest that various factors may be to blame — ranging from a thyroid issue to disease to even stress.
Dr. Yates Hair Science Group is a premier hair restoration practice located in Vernon Hills, Illinois led by Dr. William Yates. Dr. Yates, MD is the top hair loss doctor and hair replacement surgeon for the Midwest. He is a leader in new technologies and is passionate about hair restoration.
He specializes in several hair restoration procedures and will work with clients to find the right method for their needs. “We are committed to the best technologies, products, and methods to complete and assist your hair regrowth or hair replacement goals,” says Dr. Yates. (All of products to assist your hair regrowth goals can be easily shipped to your door).
Many people wonder what it is going to cost?
The cost of your hair transplantation depends on the amount of hair being transplanted and is generally considered plastic surgery, therefore is not covered by medical insurance. However, Dr. Yates understands the important investment in your future, life, and self-confidence and offers great financing options, from interest-free financing to longer term options. You can call their office to see if you qualify for a financing option.
I have personally seen some of the results in person – and YES, it looks totally natural!
When hair transplantation is done correctly by a proficient surgeon, the results look so natural that nobody would know you had a procedure. To achieve the best, natural, and attractive results, you need a meticulous surgeon with proven results. Dr. Yates prefers the advanced follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure that involves harvesting individual follicles for the best results.
Dr. Yates is a published writer and international lecturer and teacher. His office offers state-of-art techniques and he is constantly working on ways to improve results. HE IS THE BEST!
“As a medical doctor I am trained to not make excuses but get the best results. I want hairloss not to be a burden but something we can conquer together.” – Dr. William D. Yates, MD
Board Certifications
- American Board of Surgery
- American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
- Critical Care/Trauma Surgery
Medical Memberships
- International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons
- American Medical Society
Call their office @ 866.810.6402 and send them a note through their site, to start the conversation on how they can help you!
David A. Shifrin – Award Winning Cosmetic Surgery
How do select a great cosmetic doctor? Look at their credentials and awards.
Established in 2010, the award winning cosmetic surgery practice of David A Shifrin MD, provides the complete experience by combining excellent surgical results with personalized care.
Dr. David Shifrin specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.
The nose can have a dramatic impact on our overall appearance. It is in a central position of the face, and when it is out of balance, it can create disharmony amongst other features. Nose shaping or rhinoplasty by Dr David Shifrin can have a profound effect on the appearance of the entire face. Rhinoplasty surgery utilizes techniques such as cartilage removal, nasal bone manipulation and/or tip shaping. It is designed to improve the appearance of the nose and, in some cases, to improve breathing. Dr Shifrin uses two techniques, closed and open, to modify nasal architecture.
Common Changes Include:
- Shortening, narrowing, or straightening
- Eliminating a prominent hump
- Refining the tip or nostrils
- Reducing a Wide or Bulbous Tip
“Many of our patients comment on their longstanding desire to change the appearance of their nose. While there are classic descriptions of what the ideal shape and size of a nose should be, the final decision for nose shaping is uniquely tailored for each individual’s face and goals,” says Dr. Shifrin.
Whether your nose shaping goals are small or you desire a more profound change, Dr. Shifrin has the experience and skill to help you achieve your goal of a better looking, naturally balanced nose.
If you would like to learn more about the Rhinoplasty procedure, click here to request a consultation with Dr Shifrin today. Alternatively you can call our office at (312) 590-3572 to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Shifrin maintains multiple convenient office locations. He focuses his time at Shifrin Plastic Surgery, Downtown Chicago, on improving the aesthetic appearance of his patients through the use of state of the art skin care, botox and fillers and surgery. He prides himself on enhancing his patient’s physical attributes, blending his love of anatomy and science with his surgical expertise to artistically refine the outward beauty of his patients.
Chicago Liposuction and 3D Abdominal Etching
January usually brings New Years Resolutions and many men turn their attention to their bodies. Some resolutions include losing weight and/or adding muscle and looking and feeling fitter.
(left: Model photo)
With Summer coming, many people wish they could wave a magic wand and have abs! Or at least reduce the abdominal bulge and waistline inches a bit, to give us a slimmer and tighter body.
As we get older, it’s harder and harder to realize our fitness goals and our bodies may not respond to diet and exercise, the same way they did in our 20’s.
There are various techniques of liposuction and/or 3D Abdominal Etching that may be the answer to help you. Liposuction removes fat from your body using suction. In recent years, improved techniques have made liposuction safer, easier, and less painful. Liposuction is usually done as an outpatient procedure in a properly equipped doctor’s office or hospital. In general, it does not require an overnight stay unless a large volume of fat is being removed. Local anesthesia is used in some cases. And you may or may not be given a sedative to help you relax. The main purpose of liposuction is to reshape one or more areas of your body, not to reduce body weight. Liposuction is typically used on “problem” areas that have not responded well to diet and exercise.
High-definition liposuction or abdominal etching is a great way to improve the overall definition of the abdomen. For some individuals, their genetic makeup restricts them from attaining the chiseled abdomen appearance they desire. Abdominal etching, a technique specific type of liposuction, will thin the remaining fat on top of the stomach muscles and accentuate the natural break points in the wall. The resulting contour lines aid in the creation of the appearance of a muscular abdomen or “six pack”.
(Actual before and after photos of patient)
Established in 2010, the award winning cosmetic surgery practice of David A Shifrin MD, provides the complete experience by combining excellent surgical results with personalized care. Dr Shifrin has the training, expertise and experience to make your dreams of a healthy appearing, attractive body and abdomen a reality.
A native of Northbrook, Illinois, Dr. David Shifrin is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, respected for his work with cosmetic surgery and breast cancer reconstruction. Dr. Shifrin returned to his home town of Chicago in 2010 after years of training in the Midwest and South. His travels afforded him a learning experience with some of the most respected plastic surgeons. His academic accomplishments, which include multiple peer reviewed journal article publications and national conference presentations, and his love of teaching and mentoring led him to seek out an academic appointment with the University of Illinois at Chicago division of plastic surgery as an assistant clinical professor.
Dr. David Shifrin specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body. He is a plastic surgeon who completed a highly sought-after integrated training program in Michigan, followed by two advanced fellowships. The first, at the Medical College of Wisconsin, concentrated on reconstructive microsurgery. The second fellowship focused on Aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Hunstad, a world renowned plastic surgeon in the area of breast and body contouring.
Dr. Shifrin maintains multiple convenient office locations. He focuses his time at Shifrin Plastic Surgery, Downtown Chicago, on improving the aesthetic appearance of his patients through the use of state of the art skin care, botox and fillers and surgery. He prides himself on enhancing his patient’s physical attributes, blending his love of anatomy and science with his surgical expertise to artistically refine the outward beauty of his patients.
Dr. Shifrin is devoted to providing the best possible experience to those he cares for. He has been awarded Top Plastic Surgeon Chicago region 2012 and 2013 by Health Tap, Patient’s Choice Award and Most Compassionate Doctor Award in 2012, 2013 and 2014 by American Registry.
(left: Model photo)
In addition to seeing patients at Shifrin Plastic Surgery (680 N. Lake Shore Drive), he currently practices with the Advocate Medical Group at Christ hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Dr. Shifrin looks forward to serving all of his patients with professional and personalized care.
If you like what you have been reading here, request a consultation with Dr Shifrin to learn more about how these procedures can help you achieve your desired appearance. You are encouraged to print your favorite photos and bring them with you during your consultation to help communicate your goals and expectations.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique. Plastic surgery is a blending of art and science and results are thus variable.
CHICAGO: 312.590.3572
OAK LAWN: 708.684.4198
Board Certified Hair Restoration Surgeon
Minimally Invasive Hair Restoration
With (FUE) Follicular Unit Extraction And Surgical Robotic Technology
International lecturer and teacher, Dr. William Yates, M.D., Board Certified Hair Restoration Surgeon, breaks through the old stereotypes of hair loss and hair transplant and brings Chicago’s North Shore the very latest cutting edge technological advancements in the field, offering patients an array of state-of-the-art facial and hair restoration services. He is a world-renowned expert in Follicular Unit Extraction.
He is so passionate and confident the Follicular Unit Extraction technique is superior to traditional methods; he only performs this highly skilled technique for hair transplantation.
Dr. Yates specialized skills make him one of the elite surgeons to educate and train other physicians to perform this specialized technique both locally and internationally.
What is FUE?
While performed under local anesthesia, the hair or follicular units are individually harvested or punched from the back of the scalp or donor area in the hands of Dr. Yates using whatever instrument is best for his patient to obtain optimal results. He utilizes the most advanced ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant System or various manual, hand-held instruments to delicately punch out each individual hair follicle.
The camera system and algorithms in place with the robot or Dr. Yates skilled eyes and hands, choose the most robust hairs to remove for transplantation. With the traditional strip method for hair transplantation, not only do you have to take all hairs (even weak hair), the patient also incurs a painful cut, stitches and scar that they have to live with and conceal the rest of their lives.
Dr. Yates utilizes state of the art biological solutions such as Hypothermosol and ATPv (adenosine triphosphate) to store, protect and ensure optimal survival of these valuable grafts while awaiting transplant into the balding areas of the scalp for both men and women.
The finishing touch is completed by Dr. Yates artistic ability to create a natural hairline and hair density in his patient’s areas of thinning throughout the scalp. He uses micro-incisions to create sites to place each individual follicular unit, which will grow into a natural, undetectable pattern over the next year.
The results – – Phenomenal, Natural, Permanent Hair that patients can style anyway they desire without a scar in the back of the scalp. It’s cutting edge methodology like this that separates Dr. Yates’ concierge practice from the cookie cutter competition, who still rely on the antiquated guesswork with a scalpel from when they started 30 years ago.
“It’s permanent and not many people can do it right,” says Dr. Yates. “This is the investment that lasts.”
WITH FUE THERE ARE NO TRANVERSE VISIBLE SCARS ACROSS THE BACK OF THE HEAD
If someone is unable to shave the back of his or her scalp for FUE, he also has an answer for this. Dr. Yates is able to creatively trim the hair so that the donor area is completely concealed and you can return to work immediately without any visible signs of a procedure.
Dr. Yates is also very skilled at restoring facial hair such as beards, mustaches, goatees and eyebrows.
He also performs recovery and repair work on patients who have had multiple, visible scars; old-fashioned and undesirable plug procedures; and creative body hair (beard, chest, back hair) harvesting for transplantation for individuals who are “tapped out” of donor hair in the back of their scalp.
State of the Art
Non-Surgical Options…
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
This therapy has been FDA approved and utilized for over 30 years for advanced wound healing. Now, we are seeing exciting results with PRP for hair growth. A patient’s blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets to a specific concentration effective for hair growth. The platelets are then activated and injected back into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles. This process stimulates the body’s own growth factors and stem cells to slow hair loss, reverse miniaturized hair to produce a strong, visible hair again, and if used at the time of a hair transplant, it encourages faster graft growth. This has been very effective for both men and women.
Stromal Vascular Fraction or Stem Cell Therapy with Fat Transfer
Adult stem cells are most concentrated in our bodies in bone marrow and even more so in fat tissue or adipose. Dr. Yates is able to harvest these fat cells and concentrate and purify them in a centrifuge system. He then combines the fat cells with PRP to inject into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and stabilize further hair loss. This process offers even more benefits than just PRP alone by replacing the lost layer of subcutaneous fat in the scalp where the hair follicle thrives.
Scalp Micro-Pigmentation (SMP)
With SMP, pigment is used on the scalp to create the appearance of real hair follicles recreating hairlines, adding the appearance of density to thinning areas and covering unsightly scars. This advanced solution for hair loss replicates real shaven hair follicles on the scalp. The appearance is so realistic that it actually looks like you have hair. We know how the hair should look when pigmented, because that’s all we do everyday – HAIR! If someone has limited donor hair and has been told they were not a good candidate for a hair transplant procedure, they now have a great option! This is perfect for those who wear a very closely cropped hairstyle!
Hair Styling for Thinning Hair
Since hair loss affects so many people and everyone’s self-esteem, Dr. Yates even offers an onsite Licensed Cosmetologist with over 17 years of experience. She studied in Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, New York, Miami and Chicago. She specializes in styling and educating patients to look their best if they suffer with hair loss.
Someone doesn’t have to be bald to feel the confidence shaking reality of hair loss. For many, it can appear as a lack of volume and expanding thinness. Slowly, their scalp becomes more apparent through the diminishing volume of their hair. Dr. Yates can stop that hair loss in its tracks and reduce the appearance of thinning hair for men and women using the most advanced treatments available in the industry.
When hair transplantation is done correctly by a proficient surgeon, the results look so natural that nobody would know you had a procedure. To achieve the best, natural, and attractive results, you need a meticulous surgeon with proven results.
The team at Yates Hair Science Group delivers the best care and quality everyday and are recognized leaders in the field.
213 N Stetson Ave, Chicago IL 60601
PHONE: 312-261-0872 or visit them online at dryateshairscience.com
Andersonville Dental – Serving Chicago’s Gay LGBT Community Since 1997
Finding a good dentist
or doctor is like finding a good mechanic or any other service professional.
I read a poll recently with the question: Do you trust your mechanic?” And I was surprised to see that 46% of those who responded said “No”, they don’t. This got me to thinking, if you don’t trust your mechanic, why do you bring your car back to them?
If you didn’t trust your doctor, you would find another doctor. Your mechanic is very much like your/a doctor. They have to diagnose and treat your car. In fact, if you want to take it a step further, your mechanic has to be better than your doctor because your car can’t tell them where it hurts!
When I hire service professional, whether it be a mechanic, a plumber, a doctor or dentist, I want someone I can trust, someone who’s advice I value, and someone who will charge me a fair price for services provided and not rob me or overcharge me for things I don’t need.
When we first moved to the Chicago area from Michigan, we needed to find a new dentist, and new doctor. Some newly made friends gave us referrals for both. I had recently chipped a crown so I went to the dentist, I won’t say his name, and upon examining my mouth he told me I was in need in 5 crowns! WHAT? How could that be? I had seen my previous dentist just 9 months prior and had no big issues! I felt this dentist just wanted my $6000 to fund his next vacation! I think there is a difference between a dentist who has an aggressive strategy and those that just seek monetary gain, based on a client’s lack of knowledge. Let’s face it – overtreatment and even unnecessary treatment does exist. The vast majority of dentists probably strive to provide the best treatment possible. But like any profession, dentistry has its bad apples.
I quickly fired him and went to another referral, Andersonville Dental and Dr. Anita Shahin. She examined my mouth and recommended one filling and 1 “watch” for a possible crown down the road. Nothing in need of immediate replacement. WHEW! What a relief. An honest dentist! It’s like finding a good mechanic. Someone you can trust and feel comfortable with.
That was 7 years ago and my partner and I are still clients of Andersonville Dental and tell everyone we know about Anita Shahin. I am extremely confident in recommending Anita as one of the Best Dentists in Chicago. She provides affordable, honest & friendly dentistry. She does not try to sell you things you don’t need, she explains ALL options very well and is very conscientious of cost factors, insurance vs. no insurance, and above all, the client’s needs.
“I am an old school dentist most would say. I believe in restoring function to one’s mouth first and foremost, not cosmetic appearance initially. Many dentists look at cosmetic appearance first. There are a lot of dentists who try to persuade clients into getting things to make their smile better. Sure, I offer all of those services, but I am not going to try to sell them to you, if you don’t want them or need them. If you come in with a toothache, we diagnose and fix that problem.” says Dr. Shahin.
“I take a lot of pride in what I do and it is important to me to be able to do a good job at a fair price. I want to do the job right the first time. This makes me happy and most important it makes my customers happy.”
Remember that it is your mouth and your health.
You are ultimately responsible for making the right choices for you.
Your dentist should act as an expert advisor about the past, present and future health and goals of your mouth to help you make the right choices, not a salesperson.
Your dentist should be willing and happy to explain to you:
•Why they are suggesting the particular treatment
•What the treatment is and how it works
•What alternatives and choices exist (including potential consequences of not having the treatment)
•What the pros and cons of available treatment options are
•What treatment they would choose for themselves if it was their mouth!
Your dentist needs to explain and discuss things with you, in a language you can understand and be very clear on the out-of-pocket expenses. Only then can the two of you reach a joint treatment decision based on an informed win-win consent.
What others say about Dr. Anita Shahin and her Andersonville Dental Practice-
“Dr. Shahin has such a “mom” mentality, she’s great at soothing you through something uncomfortable and gently chides you when you’re doing things wrong.”
“The night before my Birthday, I broke part of my tooth off and I went in the first thing to get it fixed and they got me right in. She saw how panicked I was, made me feel comfortable and then asked me if I ate yet. I told her no, and actually my BF was making me a Birthday Breakfast. She told me to go eat and come back and enjoy my breakfast. So I ate, came back an hour later and she fit me into her schedule like I was important or something.. I love it! She won my heart over with her generosity and her passion to make her patients feel as comfortable as possible.”
“The prices are very reasonable, $75 for a cleaning, and she will do her best to work with you and keep costs down for more elaborate procedures if you need. I also really appreciate the fact that she does the cleanings herself and does not have a hygienist do it.”
“I have been going to Anita for over 10 years, and she is with out a doubt the most thorough, kind and conservative dentist you will find in the city. You definitely will not find yourself a victim of un-needed xrays and costly procedures. Dr. Shanin keeps your teeth healthy and intact with regular cleanings and exams. Her office and equipment are clean, and her employees are friendly and helpful. She takes most insurance plans. I highly recommend her to all my friends, and many have become regular patients.”
Andersonville Dental ~ Anita Shahin, D.D.S. 1700 W. Foster, (773) 334-4200
Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Bonding, Veneers, Crowns, Implants, Dentures, Extraction, Root Canals, In-house Laser Bleaching or at home Bleaching
Proudly and Honestly Serving the LGBT Community since 1997
Most Insurances Accepted
Mention Best Gay Chicago.com to receive a
15% NEW PATIENT DISCOUNT (For patients with no insurance)
Includes Free Consultation and Initial X-Ray
Consumers Research Council of America gave Dr. Anita Shahin their America’s Top Dentists Excellence Award. Consumers Research Council of America compiled an accurate list of Top Dentists throughout the United States by utilizing a point value system. This method uses a point value for criteria that they deemed valuable in determining the Top Dentists.
Dr. Anita Shahin is also a member of the
American Dental Association and the Illinois State Dental Society .
