Dr. Richard Scuderi brings over a decade of experience in internal medicine and hospital-based care, now focused on helping patients thrive through functional, membership-based primary care.

After years in acute care, Dr. Scuderi saw firsthand how reactive medicine leaves people managing illness rather than preventing it. At Forest Lounge, he helps patients take control of their health through proactive, data-driven care that integrates advanced labs, hormone and metabolic optimization, and longevity protocols.

Known for his accessibility and patient-centered approach, Dr. Scuderi provides extended visits and comprehensive evaluations designed to uncover what’s really driving symptoms. His philosophy is simple: prevention is the best medicine, and long-term wellness is built on partnership, not quick fixes.

Education

• M.D., Indiana University School of Medicine

• B.S. Biology & B.A. Germanic Studies, Indiana University Bloomington

• Residency: Internal Medicine, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis

Outside of medicine: Dr. Scuderi enjoys ultralight backpacking, reading history, and spending time with family and friends.

With over seven years of clinical experience, Shaily Patel brings a compassionate, whole-person approach to her patients at Forest Lounge. Her background in pharmacy, rehabilitation, and gastroenterology gives her a deep understanding of both traditional and integrative health systems.

At Forest Lounge, Shaily focuses on functional primary care, hormone optimization, medical weight loss, and peptide therapy. She collaborates closely with patients to design treatment plans that restore balance, improve energy, and promote long-term vitality.

Fluent in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, Shaily is known for her ability to connect across cultures and make every patient feel seen and heard. She stays at the forefront of emerging therapies through continuous education in anti-aging and regenerative medicine.

Education

• Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Chamberlain University

• Board-Certified FNP-C (Family Nurse Practitioner–Certified)

Josh Black knows what it feels like when your body stops keeping up with your ambition. Years ago, he found himself in the middle of a workday with his chest tight, vision tunneling, and a flood of panic convincing him it might be a heart attack. It wasn’t. But it was the wake-up call that he was drifting into the very decline he thought he could outwork.
Instead of settling, Josh rebuilt. Through functional medicine principles, diet, exercise, weight training and peptide therapy, he restored his own energy, strength, and clarity. Today, as a dad and athlete, he lives the system he now coaches, from carrying his kids’ bags to national volleyball tournaments to competing on the paddle courts without fear of injury.
Credentials & Affiliations
    •    Certified Spencer Institute Longevity Coach
    •    NASM Sports Performance Nutrition Certified
    •    ISSA Certified Health Coach
    •    Member, SSRP Institute (Cellular Medicine & Peptide Protocols)
    •    Peptide Certified Specialist
As host of The Becoming Young Podcast, Josh brings world-class voices in Medicine 3.0 and longevity medicine to the North Shore and beyond, making complex science actionable for everyday life.
At Lake Avenue Wellness, Josh collaborates with physicians to:
    •    Calibrate hormones and design peptide protocols
    •    Support recovery and resilience for patients of all ages
    •    Build personalized performance and vitality plans
Josh’s philosophy is simple: younger isn’t a look, it’s a system you can build. His coaching gives patients the tools, metrics, and guidance to make that system real, so the decades ahead aren’t just longer, but stronger.

Sarah Ku, NP-C, is a dedicated and highly skilled Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry. Her diverse background spans pharmacy, cardiology, neurology, and case management, equipping her with a well-rounded perspective on patient care.

Sarah’s healthcare journey began with ten years in pharmacy, where she gained in-depth knowledge of medications and their impact on patient health. She then transitioned into direct patient care, working as a medical assistant in cardiology for two years before becoming a registered nurse (RN). For six years, she specialized in neurology and stroke care, honing her expertise in complex neurological conditions.

With a strong passion for patient advocacy, Sarah expanded her scope into case management, spending two years at Highland Park Hospital in utilization review, insurance coordination, and discharge planning. This experience deepened her understanding of the healthcare system and the importance of seamless transitions for patient care.

Sarah holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner (NP-C). She also brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her practice, holding dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Psychology. Her academic background enhances her ability to navigate healthcare policies, understand patient behavior, and provide holistic, patient-centered care.

Driven by a deep passion for wellness, longevity, and preventive care, Sarah is committed to empowering patients with the knowledge and tools needed to optimize their health. She believes in a proactive approach to healthcare, emphasizing lifestyle modifications and preventive interventions to enhance long-term well-being.

With a strong foundation in clinical excellence, leadership, and patient advocacy, Sarah Ku, NP-C, is a compassionate healthcare provider dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized care to her patients.

Kristin Bissing, NP, RN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC is a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner whose career spans critical care, vascular neurology, and advanced practice in adult and geriatric health. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rush University, she brings a depth of expertise and a holistic approach to patient care. Currently, Kristin plays a key role at The Forest Lounge Medical Center, where she specializes in hormone replacement therapy, IV therapy, medical weight loss, and preventative medicine.

Kristin’s passion for nursing began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Louis University, followed by extensive experience in cardiac and vascular care at renowned institutions like Rush University and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Her leadership as Stroke Coordinator at Northshore University Health System, along with her collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, honed her skills in delivering complex patient care while leading performance improvement projects.

At The Forest Lounge Medical Center, Kristin’s clinical expertise seamlessly integrates with the center’s focus on personalized, preventative care. She excels at developing customized treatment plans that support hormone balance, enhance metabolic health, and promote overall well-being. Kristin’s commitment to staying current with medical advancements enables her to offer innovative therapies tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Her credentials in advanced cardiac life support, stroke care, and critical care nursing, combined with her extensive experience in patient education and chronic disease management, position her as a valuable asset to the team. Kristin’s dedication to patient-centered care, along with her leadership in clinical settings, reflects the mission of The Forest Lounge—providing compassionate, evidence-based treatments that promote long-term health.

Kristin Bissing’s unwavering commitment to patient wellness makes her a trusted partner for those seeking expert guidance in hormone therapy, medical weight loss, and preventative medicine.

Stephanie Mansfield, Medical Assistant, is a dedicated and multi-certified healthcare professional at The Forest Lounge Medical Center. In addition to her role as a Medical Assistant, she holds certifications as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Certified Intravenous Technician (PCT), and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT). Her diverse skill set and clinical expertise make her an invaluable member of the team.

Stephanie’s background as a Pharmacy Technician at ProHealth Drugs in Lindenhurst, combined with her proficiency in phlebotomy and IV therapy, enables her to provide comprehensive support in key services such as hormone replacement therapy, IV vitamin therapy, and medical weight loss programs. Whether drawing blood, administering intravenous treatments, or managing medication, Stephanie ensures that each patient receives personalized and attentive care.

Known for her approachable demeanor and patient-first approach, Stephanie excels at assisting providers and helping patients feel comfortable throughout their care journey. Her ability to seamlessly manage clinical tasks while offering compassionate care enhances the overall patient experience at The Forest Lounge Medical Center.

With her well-rounded expertise and certifications, Stephanie Mansfield plays a crucial role in delivering the high-quality, personalized care that defines the practice’s mission.