Dr. Shah is an American board-certified internal medicine physician who has delivered exceptional personalized medical care to patients for over ten years. After graduating “magna cum laude” in medical school, he went on to complete a surgical internship at St. Joseph mercy hospital in Michigan, followed by three years of internal medicine residency training at the Icahn School of Medicine at mount sinai in New York.

Dr. Shah has been practicing acute care medicine at one of the largest health systems in the country post-residency and is now broadening his clinical horizon to serve a broader patient population and their needs.

His multidisciplinary medical training, coupled with his innate interest and expertise in integrative medicine, which includes yoga therapy, ayurvedic medicine, and biological therapy, has allowed him to master carefully curated treatment modalities for many individual ailments.  A sound mind propels a good body, the principle that Dr. Shah practices to help improve all his patients’ health and wellness. The Forest Lounge is excited and proud to have Dr. Ruchit Shah as its medical director.  He will also serve as the collaborating physician for our nurse practitioner Naomi Monk MSN, APRN, FNP-BC.

Shaily Patel, FNP-C, is a dedicated and compassionate Nurse Practitioner with over seven years of experience across various healthcare settings.  Her journey in healthcare began with roles in pharmacy, home health, nursing homes, and rehabilitation nursing before transitioning into gastroenterology settings.  Throughout her career, Shaily has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, motivating her colleagues to provide exemplary patient care.

With a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Chamberlain University, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Shaily is committed to delivering holistic care to her patients.  She is fluent in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, enhancing her ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds.

Shaily’s passion for helping others shines through in her patient-centered approach. She excels in communication, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and adapting to new environments.  As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), Shaily possesses a strong foundation in clinical skills, including patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care.

In her current role at The Forest Lounge Medical Center, Shaily leads the development and implementation of personalized treatment plans for Telemedicine patients seeking anti-aging interventions, hormone replacement therapy, and medical weight loss solutions.  She conducts thorough patient assessments, collaborates with healthcare professionals, and educates patients on self-management strategies.

Shaily’s dedication to providing high-quality care extends beyond her clinical practice. She actively participates in continuous education and training to stay abreast of advancements in anti-aging medicine, hormone replacement therapy, and medical weight loss therapies.

With a proven track record of excellence and a genuine commitment to her patients’ well-being, Shaily Patel, FNP-C, is a valued member of the healthcare community, embodying the principles of compassion, integrity, and excellence in nursing practice.

Naomi Monk, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, is a board-certified advanced practice registered nurse who is native to Lake County and proud to call it her home.  She attended Northeastern Illinois University for her political science and economics undergraduate degree.  During this time, she met her husband and started her family, which she still cherishes as her biggest joy.

After spending some years working in the private sector, Naomi needed deeper meaning in her professional life.  She was looking for a career in which she could help the people in her community lead healthier, more fulfilled lives, and nursing was the answer.

As a working mother, she went back to school for nursing and began working at local community hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and local school districts in a registered nurse capacity.  During this time, Naomi found a passion for prevention, education, and communication with her patients and truly enjoyed the journey.  However, she noticed that traditional Western medicine focused more on disease treatment than prevention.

Naomi decided the best way to address this deficit was to move on to advanced nursing practice.  She attended Bradley University’s graduate nursing program and received her master’s degree in nursing, focusing on family practice.  In her spare time, Naomi enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family.  She is very excited to be a part of the Forest Lounge Medical Center and is proud to collaborate with Dr. Ruchit Shah, a provider who shares Naomi’s passion for integrative medicine.

Medical Assistant Anthony Chandler embodies a profound passion and love for helping people that sets the tone for exceptional patient care.  With unwavering dedication, he plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation of our healthcare services.

Beyond the operations, His commitment to fostering a positive patient experience is evident in his daily interactions, where he goes above and beyond to address individual needs and concerns.  As a key member of our team, Anthony contributes significantly to the patient-centric approach we champion at The Forest Lounge.

Whether assisting in medical procedures, coordinating appointments, or offering a reassuring presence during consultations, his dedication reflects our center’s commitment to holistic healthcare.  His innate ability to connect with people on a personal level further enriches the compassionate care we strive to deliver.  His passion for helping others extends beyond routine tasks, shaping a healthcare environment where patients feel understood, valued, and supported.