JenCare Senior Medical Center

Bios

• 

  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.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Andrea Jones, LAc

• 

  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.”

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

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

• 

  Hina Iqbal, MD

  MD

  Dr. Hina Iqbal understands that providing care for the whole person includes their physical, emotional and social well-being. “I treat all my patients with compassion,” says Dr. Iqbal. “I believe that patients, especially seniors, need a medical professional, just like a friend or therapist to listen to them and allow them to  vent their concerns. It puts them at ease and lets them feel likethey can share anything with me. As I listen, I am better able to treat my patient's medical conditions and even address some of their social issues."  

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Hina Iqbal, MD

• 

  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.”

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Dosha Grant, RN

• 

  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."

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Mihir Majmundar, MD

• 

  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.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Bhavna Balaney

• 

  William Cruikshank

  MD

  Dr. William Cruikshank earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and his master’s degree from Chicago State University. He earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed his internal medicine internship and residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Cruikshank is a member of the American College of Physicians. “The senior population is by definition, a population of survivors on several levels,” said Dr. Cruikshank. “I have as much to learn from seniors as they may learn from me. I have often thought I have learned more.”

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: William Cruikshank

• 

  Rabia Alvi

  MD

  A “strong desire to serve others” led Dr. Rabia Alvi to pursue a career in healthcare. “This sense of calling was reinforced early in my medical training when I first had the opportunity to care for and emotionally connect with others,” she explains. Dr. Alvi likes educating her patients and empowering them to take control over their health. “It’s rewarding that I can make a difference in a patient’s level of independence, well-being, and quality of life,” she says. Empathy and active listening are key parts of her practice. If she could modify the current healthcare system, she would increase accessibility. In her free time, Dr. Alvi loves spending time with her husband and kids. She also enjoys traveling and writing makeup blogs.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Rabia Alvi

• 

  Elizabeth Unanue

  DPM, ABPM

  Dr. Elizabeth Unanue finds it rewarding to “improve the quality of life of my patients.” She wants them to feel comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns. “I believe that it is so important to work as a team with your patient to create a treatment plan together,” she says. Good communication, empowerment, and education are key in her practice. “Every patient deserves to feel understood, loved, and respected,” she says. She especially enjoys caring for the senior population. “Ensuring patients are able to remain mobile as they age is so important for their quality of life,” she says. In her free time, Dr. Unanue loves hiking and camping with her husband, son, and three dogs. She also likes gardening and visiting museums.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Elizabeth Unanue

• 

  Carla Rodriguez

  DNP-BC

  Dr. Carla Rodriguez’s love for helping those in need led her to become an advanced practice nurse. She loves connecting with patients and explains, “To create such a bond while positively impacting the lives and health of my patients is the most gratifying part of my job.” She takes pride in providing quality care and strives to always address patients’ concerns. “I will never stop working to find solutions for my patients,” she says. She loves making patients laugh and wants them to know she genuinely cares about each of them. “I want their visits to be just as fulfilling as they are productive,” she says. When not with patients, Dr. Rodriguez can be found completing DIY projects. She also loves watching scary movies.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Carla Rodriguez

• 

  Thomas Joseph

  MD, FACP

  As a physician, Dr. Joseph Thomas strives to positively impact people’s lives. His favorite part of his profession is listening to patients’ stories. “I value each and every patient as my own blood,” he explains. He loves caring for the senior population and says he feels a special connection with them. “They are open books of love, fear, success, and failures,” he says. To keep up with the latest medical advancements, he reads research papers and attends conferences. If he could change anything about healthcare today, he would allow more time for visits. When not caring for patients, Dr. Joseph enjoys spending time with his kids, gardening, and riding his motorcycle. He is also interested in horology and loves trying new things.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Thomas Joseph

• 

  Harold Rahming

  MD, MHS

  At an early age, Dr. Harold Rahming knew he wanted to serve as an “agent of change” for the health of his community. “Health care inequity and social determinants play a major role in the overall health of our society,” he explains. Dr. Rahming is “deeply grateful” to be a primary care physician and takes pride in serving as an ally for his patients. “They have full autonomy to make their own decisions, and we are only here to guide them,” he says. When not caring for patients, Dr. Rahming loves spending time with his family, reading, and bowling. He is an Army Combat Veteran with two tours in Iraq and hopes to one day get his pilot’s license. He also has an extensive pencil collection that he began when he was only five years old.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Harold Rahming

• 

  Faryal Jafar

  MD

  “My earliest memoires from my childhood that I recall now are those of this intense passion, curiosity of the field of medicine,” Dr. Faryal Jafar explains. Building “life long, meaningful relationships” with patients is her favorite part of her profession. She strives to remain personable and enjoys finding common interests with patients. She hopes to see healthcare embrace more of a focus on the senior population. “I am honored to be part of an establishment like ChenMed, where we are revolutioning healthcare and putting our seniors at the forefront of our medical mission,” she explains. In her free time, Dr. Jafar enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter. She also loves photography and collecting art from her travels.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Faryal Jafar

• 

  Samer Shaja

  DO

  Since Dr. Samer Shaja was in high school, he has loved science and welcomed the challenge of helping others with it. Dedicated to providing the best care, Dr. Shaja believes in doing more than treating conditions and prescribing the correct medication. “I take a very patient-centered approach,” Dr. Shaja says. “I listen and don’t rush or interrupt patients. I am also interested in their lives.” With these deeper connections, Dr. Shaja feels he can help and empower patients more fully. “It’s rewarding to see them become healthier and stronger,” he adds. During his free time, Dr. Shaja enjoys exercise, soccer, billiards, movies, and spending time with his extended family. One of his favorite memories is vacationing with them in Mexico.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Samer Shaja