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By Contributor
PRODUCED BY KEMMIE RYAN
EDITED BY LEA GUCCIONE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD, MONICA KASS ROGERS, ROBIN SUBAR, & KATRINA WITTKAMP
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST AND MEG KOMLENAC
PRODUCTION & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: CHEYANNE LENCIONI
SPECIALTY: Breast Surgical Oncology
EDUCATION:
Dr. Heidi Memmel: B.A., Northwestern University; M.D., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; General Surgery internship and residency, University of Illinois Chicago Metropolitan Group Hospitals; Breast Oncology Surgery fellowship, Northwestern University
Dr. Denise Monahan: B.A., Boston College; M.D., University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; General Surgery residency, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital; fellowship, Northwestern University
AWARDS/HONORS:
Dr. Memmel: Castle Connolly/Chicago Magazine Top Doctors, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, Top Tier MD, 2013; Patient Appreciation Award, 2012
Dr. Monahan: Medical Director of the High-Risk Breast Clinic, Board certified in General Surgery, specialty trained in breast cancer
Dr. Heidi Memmel and Dr. Denise Monahan are esteemed, board-certified breast surgeons caring for patients at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital Cancer Center in the Northern Suburbs. Dr. Memmel specializes in the treatment of all breast diseases, most commonly breast cancer among young or pregnant women. She also holds significant experience in diagnosing and following high-risk gene mutation carriers, working with patients throughout every step of their journey. “I like to partner with my patients to discuss their diagnosis and present all possible options for treatment in an environment that is educational, supportive, and reassuring,” she shares. “It’s so important for young women to know their risk factors for developing breast cancer because there are now things that we can do to reduce that risk and prevent breast cancer, like screening to determine if they carry a high-risk gene mutation. Knowing that one carries those gene mutations can help us begin screening early and potentially diagnose a breast cancer when still easily treatable and curable.”
Dr. Monahan joined Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital to build a comprehensive breast care program, offering the best treatment in the Northern Suburbs. “Meeting patients at the time of diagnosis, guiding them through treatment decisions, and ultimately seeing them safely through surgery has always been my focus,” she explains. A top breast surgeon in the field, she also holds a distinct specialty in high-risk breast disease and risk assessment. She serves as medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital High-Risk Breast Clinic where she educates women on reducing their risk of breast cancer and guides them in making thoughtful choices to lead healthier lives. She shares, “Not only do we offer the most advanced and proven treatments, but we are constantly refining technique and implementing new information to ensure the best possible outcomes.”
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital Cancer Center, and the Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital High-Risk Breast Clinic are located at 1000 N. Westmoreland Road, in Lake Forest, 847-582-2134, nm.org.
