JenCare Senior Medical Center

Bios

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  Andrea Jones, LAc

  LAc

  Andrea Jones was eight years old when she decided she wanted to care for others’ health. “I grew up helping several senior citizens in my family and neighborhood. I was able to hear stories and learn about their lives. So it feels right that now, as an adult, I get to treat seniors as a licensed acupuncture therapist.” In addition to acupuncture, Andrea also specializes in cupping and Tui Na to help people with chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and other conditions. “I love listening to people and helping them feel better. It’s rewarding to see them walk out of my office feeling calmer, with less pain, and a smile on their faces,” she adds.

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  Link: Andrea Jones, LAc

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  Doris Okafor, MD

  MD

  For Dr. Doris Okafor, it's all about doing the best for her patients. "I treat my patients as I would like to be treated," she says. "I take time to listen and to fully understand them in order to put forth my personal and professional best. It's what they deserve. I also want to help them live well and as independently as possible." Dr. Okafor is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.  

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  Link: Doris Okafor, MD

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  Catherine Anichini, MD

  MD

  When she was eight years old, Dr. Catherine Anichini's trip to the hospital for a stomach bug sparked her curiosity of physiology and her passion for family medicine. "As a family physician, I’m able to address just about any medical condition that a patient might develop," she says. "The best part of being a doctor is the interaction I have with my patients and feeling that I'm helping them in some way. I enjoy working with seniors and hearing their life stories. I also feel that they are the most appreciative of the care they receive. I like listening to them and getting to know them as people, so they feel like someone cares. I will always do what's best for my patients."

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  Link: Catherine Anichini, MD

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  Merrill Jordan Zahtz, MD

  MD

  For more than 30 years, Dr. Merrill Zahtz has shared his passion for healing and knowledge of medicine with his patients and emerging new doctors. "One of the greatest rewards of my job is seeing patients achieve better health outcomes," says Dr. Zahtz. "Being able to spend time talking to them, listening to their concerns and explaining their care plan helps my patients manage or reduce symptom severity and disease progression. It's a partnership where everyone wins."

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  Link: Merrill Jordan Zahtz, MD

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  Dosha Grant, RN

  RN

  Dosha Grant’s early education in patient care came from observing her mother. “I saw my mom caring for her patients when she was a CNA,” she recalls. “It made me want to be a nurse, too.” Now that she is, Dosha spends her time helping Chicago-area seniors become (and stay!) as healthy as they can. “I’ve worked in nursing homes and have listened to patients’ stories about their lives and their journeys. I want to make this part of their journey—their golden years—even better.”

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  Link: Dosha Grant, RN

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  Mihir Majmundar, MD

  MD

  "I'm all about helping my patients holistically," says Dr. Majmundar. "I'm not only looking after their physical health but their emotional health, too. Seniors have special needs as they grow older and need to understand how to best take care of their health. My patients know they can depend on me to be there for them. They've given so much to others over their lifetimes. I want to give back to them by giving them the best healthcare possible. I don't talk at my patients. I spend time with my patients and really listen to them. It's the only way to build a good doctor and patient relationship."

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  Link: Mihir Majmundar, MD

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  Ellen Muhammad, MS, RD, LDN, CFT

  MS, RD, LDN, CFT

  Ellen Muhammad knows that a balanced nutrition plan can help prevent or control illness and help her patients live a higher quality of life. “I specialize in medical nutrition therapy and nutrition education and counseling," says Ellen. "I see the positive effects that food and healthy eating schedules can have in patients who are trying to lose weight, manage a chronic condition, and stay well. My patients' well-being is important and I work closely with them to help them reach their personal goals.”

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  Link: Ellen Muhammad, MS, RD, LDN, CFT

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  Gerard Rios

  LAc

  After earning a degree in mechanical engineering and working at a prominent electronics firm, Gerard Rios realized he was more interested in human structures and systems. He went on to earn his master’s in oriental medicine. Today, he specializes in oncology, ortho-neuro and stroke rehabilitation. “Healthcare should be about the patient/doctor partnership,” says Gerard. “Every patient encounter is an opportunity for me to enhance the rich medical heritage passed on through the ages and sages of Chinese medicine.” Gerard and his wife have two sons. He enjoys Tai Chi, snowboarding, mountain biking, amateur photography and world travel. One of his favorite trips was canyoning in Provence, France.

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  Link: Gerard Rios

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  Mehwish Moktader

  DO

  Dr. Moktader is board certified in family medicine and osteopathic medicine. She earned her bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, and her doctorate from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine. Dr. Moktader completed her family medicine residency at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians. “My culture places significant emphasis on caring for the elderly,” said Dr. Moktader. “Making a difference starts by understanding who you are talking to, what the goals and needs of the patient are and then working together to achieve those goals.”

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  Link: Mehwish Moktader

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  Bhavna Balaney

  MD

  Board-certified physician Bhavna Balaney specializes in cardiology. In medical school and residency training she often worked with senior patients within the veterans health system. She feels cardiology and prevention is important for seniors and looks forward to putting her experience to good use at JenCare. “It is a pleasure to take care of seniors,” says Dr. Balaney. “Sometimes they may look frail but they are pretty spunky! The best thing I can do is listen to my patients and help them keep living a good life.” Dr. Balaney has a toddler and loves to spend time with her family, read, and try out new restaurants. She also enjoys traveling; Australia has been her favorite place to visit.

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  Link: Bhavna Balaney

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  Cristina Marti-Amarista

  MD

  Dr. Cristina Marti-Amarista comes from a family of healthcare providers, which motivated her to pursue a career in medicine. “My favorite part is feeling I am helping others the best way I can and having the opportunity to learn something new every day,” she says. She highly respects the senior population and loves serving them. “I am a strong believer in the humanistic approach to life, in which empathy, genuineness, and giving unconditional support are the key factors for thriving,” she says. She adds, “I aim for my patients to know I care for them and to see me as an ally.” Dr. Marti-Amarista enjoys playing board games with family, spending time with friends, and painting in her free time. She also loves reading crime novels.

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  Link: Cristina Marti-Amarista