She cares for patients through various stages of life
As a young girl, I initially did not think I wanted to be a doctor. But after working as a teenager in the office of my uncle, a physician in Chicago, I saw how much care and compassion he provided to patients and the positive difference doctors make in people’s lives.
In medical school, I selected family medicine as a specialty because doctors can forge a personal connection with patients and their family members while delivering essential and preventative care.
One of the greatest parts of my job is caring for patients from birth until they grow into adulthood. I recently completed a physical exam for one of my patients who was heading off to college, the same patient I delivered and cared for since she was born. I take pride in caring for patients throughout the different stages of life, knowing that my knowledge of their medical history and who they are as a person helps me keep them healthy. I am fortunate to be able to care for families where I attend to the health needs of four generations, from the elderly to infants.
In my day-to-day interactions with patients, I enjoy connecting on a personal level, listening and talking about concerns, detailing treatment options or simply making sure they feel comfortable during routine check-ins. These personal connections bring me great joy as a doctor.
The pandemic has made these interactions more challenging at times, but visits are done safely and there are many advantages to face-to-face interactions. As someone who became sick from COVID-19, I have a special appreciation for the importance of receiving one of the vaccines when people are eligible. The vaccines are a way for us to ultimately end the pandemic and eventually return to the family activities we all hold so dear.
Dr. Emelie Ilarde practices family medicine and is an Advocate Physician Partner in Oak Lawn.
March 30th is National #DoctorsDay. We’re sharing stories from physicians at Advocate Aurora Health to recognize them for their passion and dedication to helping people live well. Have a doctor you want to recognize? Give them a shout out in the comments below!
