Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Mishail Shapiro.
Dr. Shapiro, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in February of 1963 on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia to Jewish parents. My parents shared space with several other couples and our existence was limited 2 small rooms, with shared kitchen and bathroom. To keep me warm, my mother had to resort to using a kerasin lamp as a heater. Needless to say, I do not remember and this part of my life.
When I was approximately 1 -year-old, my grandmother and my parents moved into a slightly larger, more modern apartment where my sister was born and I spend 14 years before our immigration to the US.
My love for medicine developed early as most of my relatives were medical practitioners, doctors or nurses. My earliest memories are running around the state clinic as a 3-year-old child where my grandmother would babysit me during her evening shift as a TB nurse.
I had great school teachers to whom I attribute my love of sciences and a curious mind. There were instances of religious prosecution by the Russian government but I do not have a clear memory of it as I was young and likely oblivious to the trouble of the adults. I remember my childhood as being generally happy and supported by a loving family.
The biggest influence in my life was my grandmother who, to this day remains the example of a strong, compassionate healthcare professional that I try to aspire to be.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The largest obstacle to overcome but also the most important life lesson is the “Coming to America” part of my life. I came to the US as a teenage boy from a country so radically different that all of the values, virtues and knowledge needed to be reassessed. I was uprooted and thrown head first into a chaos that is called “High school”.
There were no other Russian speaking students and the only adult that could help me was an English teacher that had a very rudimentary Russian knowledge by serving in WWII next to the Russian troops. In 2 years from arriving, I had to learn English, acquire new friends, work after hours and apply to colleges. I felt alone, completely isolated but what it thought me is that I can learn and be successful at anything I set my mind to, that all people are basically good, empathetic and want to live happy and productive lives.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Apex Sinus Center – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Medical Arts Unlimited was designed with an idea that Health Care delivery should not be complex or complicated. That a “Great” quality care, first of all, comes from a physician who believes that medicine is not a business and that everyone should be treated with compassion. I believe that Health is a human right, not a privilege and that Physicians are partners in helping patients to reach their Health goals, whatever those goals may be.
I saw myself as a leader and a cheerleader for my patients. Sometimes stern and sometimes kind but always with the patient’s best interest in mind. I saw Medical Arts Unlimited as a place where University level medicine can be brought down to a community-based practice. I saw it as a place of warmth and comfort for those that needed it.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Medical Arts Unlimited evolved into an office-based surgery practice Apex Sinus Center as a response to the increased costs of healthcare delivery and a belief that our team can provide a safer, less stressful and ultimately less expensive surgical experience for most patients. The model is not a new invention but a direct extension of our cosmetic practice into the medical practice of rhinology and surgical sleep.
We had a tremendous success in performing complex sinus cases in our facility.
Apex Sinus Center is a center for surgical excellence and a prototype for a future of a healthcare delivery.
We are looking forward to expanding the complexity of procedures performed as well as exporting this model to new locations.
Contact Info:
- Address: 114 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville, IL 60048
800 Austin Street, East Tower 157, Evanston, IL 60202 - Website: apexsinus.com
- Phone: 847-353-8802
- Email: medartscorp@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedArtsCorp
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
