Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
I was born and raised in the northern suburbs of Chicago. The majority of my education and surgical training took place in the Chicagoland area. I immensely enjoyed my childhood in the northern suburbs and was quick to seize the opportunity to work in an area I have so many fond memories of.
Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)
My wife and I have two sons, Demetri and Louis. Demetri will be 3-years-old in May and Louis is 19-months-old.
What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?
I enjoy taking advantage of the many parks and forest preserves. My wife and I really enjoy the Botanic Gardens and Independence Grove. We enjoy a night out at any of the great restaurants Chicago and Libertyville have to offer. Portillo’s does often find its way to our table.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world?
Taking over a medical practice immediately preceding the pandemic was quite the adventure. Add on two little boys and our plates are full. Giving back has always been a big part of my life. I spent three weeks in residency performing cataracts at a free clinic in Chandigarh, India and it was a life-changing experience for me. I’m enthusiastic about partnering with amazing eye organizations and even starting my own.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Libertyville and the northern suburbs of Chicago have continued a long tradition of providing all the educational, athletic, and creative opportunities a young person could need to succeed in whatever field they desired. I was no exception and I do not take it for granted that I was raised in one of the most supportive communities in the country.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am overly competitive with board games and recreational sports such as table tennis and golf.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Parent?
Anytime you’re feeling down, just take a look at photos of your kids.
What are your favorite places to travel near and far and why?
I lived in Germany as a child for six years and my family’s roots are in Greece. We love traveling to Europe and especially love island hopping in Greece.
My wife and I met in Utah, were engaged at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison Colorado, and married in Denver; so the Mountain West is very special to us!
Which podcasts and/or TED Talks inspire you the most?
I enjoy learning about history and often listen to history channels and any World War II podcasts to hear stories about the greatest generation.
Tell me about your favorite books. I love receiving fiction and non-fiction recommendations!
Given my Greek background, I’ve always enjoyed war stories from ancient Greece. One of my favorite books is Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield which tells a fictionalized story about King Leonidas of Sparta and the battle at the gates of Thermopylae.
What is your favorite thing about the Libertyville Area Moms Network?
According to my wife, groups like LAM are so important to young moms, especially during a pandemic. I’m grateful for groups like this for truthful reviews and helpful tips.
By the way, what’s the best Greek food spot in Libertyville?
Sarah from LAM: Chrissoula’s, Townee Square Restaurant and Fodrak’s! 🙂
What is next for you?
For now, my wife and I are doing our best to soak up the present and make memories with our boys. I will likely look to expand the clinic I currently run and perhaps incorporate retiring doctor’s practice in the northern suburbs.
Website, Facebook, and Instagram Account:
@LibertyvilleEye
https://www.facebook.com/libertyvilleeye