Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
I am a mom and physician (neurologist, psychiatrist and neuromuscular specialist). I grew up in Ashland, KY, a small town in Eastern KY, and I went to Creighton University-School of Medicine in Nebraska and then on to Philadelphia for both Neurology and Psychiatry residencies at the University of Pennsylvania; and continued on for Neuromuscular residency at Northwestern University in Chicago.
My husband and I met in San Francisco, CA, where he was completing graduate school and I was completing my Internship. We settled in the North Shore because we wanted to be close to my parents. We moved the office to Libertyville 5 years ago and I can’t imagine a better place to practice. The community and area are beautiful and the people are smart, supportuive and down to earth.
Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)
My husband, Rohit, and I have one child, Shiv, who turned 2 in October. Many people say he is just like me and has so much energy! You can tell that he is up to no good!
Photo Credit: Ryan Owen Photography
What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?
We spend time on weekends going on nature walks or playing with his toy cars. He also loves the Lego store! This summer I am looking forward to taking him to Lamb’s Farm, Six Flags, and of course Adler park swimming pool! In the meantime, with so much uncertainty in our world today, I am taking a moment every day to appreciate what we have. I also remind my patients they can make a positive difference, especially now. Reconnecting with an old friend, offering to shop for an elderly neighbor, or finally cleaning out a closet is more beneficial than worrying.
Photo Credit: Ryan Owen Photography
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world? Please share!
My practice, A Ray of Hope, offers services to patients throughout the Northshore and surrounding areas. We have a boutique medical practice to treat and welcome patients in a warm, inviting environment. Neurological and psychiatric symptoms can be highly debilitating. Migraines, neuropathy, back pain, Parkinson’s disease, depression, anxiety and a host of other physical and mental diagnoses can negatively impact a patient’s life. The goal of the practice is to provide quality, individualized, long-term, holistic care. The office is located in downtown Libertyville at 150 E Cook Avenue. We offer great care, and I feel that each and every one of my patients and staff is a part of my extended family!
Please visit us on Instagram @arayofhopelibertyville
Facebook at “A Ray of Hope”
Twitter @bansalneuro1
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
This community is my family. I have been here for 5 years now, and it is hard to remember a time where I was not part of this community. Many of my patients and staff live in this community, and they are the basis of my beautiful practice.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Well I have two: 1) I love binge watching detective shows and 2) I love playing blackjack! I can play like 5 hands at once, no joke!
What are your favorite places to travel near and far and why?
My favorite place to travel in the USA is Miami because of the diversity, culture and excitement! My other favorite place to travel is India; it is where my parents immigrated from, and I hold our culture near and dear to my heart! We still love to celebrate Indian holidays, and we want to ensure that Shiv does not lose touch with his roots. Below is a picture of his Mundnan, also known as the Hindu hair cutting ceremony at the age of 1.
Which podcasts and/or TED Talks inspire you the most?
Lately I’ve been listing to Where Should We Begin, a podcast by Esther Perel who is an incredible couples therapist and has an episode specifically for couples on lockdown. I also like The Happiness Lab with Dr Laurie Santos. I highly recommend the episode, “Corona Virus; Calm Can Be Contagious” for anyone skeptical of meditation.
Tell me about your favorite books. I love receiving fiction and non-fiction recommendations!
I just recently finished the book “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng. Next on my reading list is “Into the Magic Shop” written by Dr. James Doty, a neurosurgeon. It came recommended to me since I do love neurology as much as psychiatry! I am also reading “The Art of Happiness” by Dalai Lama; it is amazing.
What is next for you?
In years to come, I hope to look back at this time and be proud of the help I offered to my patients and laugh when I recall all the ways we tried to keep our active toddler occupied without going out.
One of my favorite quotes is “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears” by Nelson Mandela. I think this viewpoint is very important, now more than ever.
Please visit us on Instagram @arayofhopelibertyville
Facebook at “A Ray of Hope”
Twitter @bansalneuro1