Dr.Julia Kerolus

  

Q. When did you first move to Chicago?
What led you to establish your practice there,
and do you have a vision for what you
hope to achieve in Chicago?

I moved to Chicago in 2012 to begin my
 surgical residency in head and neck surgery.
One of the things I appreciate most
about Chicago is its diverse population,
which has been incredibly important
to me both personally and professionally.

I chose to build my career here
because  of the outstanding colleagues
I have the privilege of working with
and the wonderful patients
I have the opportunity to care for.

In my private practice, I enjoy helping
 patients enhance their appearance
through procedures such as rhinoplasty,
facelifts, and eyelid surgery.

My goal is always to achieve natural
looking results that help people
feel more confident in themselves.

In addition, I serve on the faculty
at the University of Illinois Chicago,
where I specialize in treating
patients with facial paralysis.

As part of my academic role,
I mentor residents and medical students
in both clinical and surgical settings.

Sharing knowledge and collaborating with
others are fundamental aspects of medicine.

I feel incredibly fortunate to contribute to
that process and to play a role in educating
the next generation of healthcare professionals
 while caring for patients in need.

Q. It seems that you have been actively
involved in supporting children
in underserved communities.

Could you tell us more about that work
and what inspires you to do it?

Working with underserved communities
has been a passion of mine since medical school.

Throughout my career,
I have been fortunate to learn from mentors
who shared the same commitment to service,
and I have been equally fortunate to pursue
that mission on an international scale.

Patients with limited access to healthcare
resources often face complex medical challenges,
yet they are consistently grateful
for the care they receive.

Their resilience and appreciation
continue to inspire me.

Today, I work with several organizations
 dedicated to providing high-quality medical
 care to communities around the world.

Most recently, I traveled to Guayaquil,
 Ecuador, to perform surgeries
for children born with cleft lip and palate.

 I am also involved in helping train
young surgeons in Ethiopia
in the field of facial reconstructive surgery.

Being able to use my skills to improve lives,
while also helping educate and empower
the next generation of surgeons, is one
of the most meaningful aspects of my work.

Q. As a physician,
what do you believe is the one quality
that sets you apart from other doctors?

I would say my ability to empathize with others.

Empathy is what allows me to build trust
with my patients and create meaningful
relationships throughout their care.

Everyone who comes to see me is welcomed
with an open mind, and I make it a priority
to take the time to listen carefully to
their concerns, goals, and expectations.

Throughout every stage of treatment,
I strive to ensure that my patients feel safe,
understood, and genuinely cared for.

I believe that exceptional medical care goes
 beyond technical expertise it also requires
compassion, communication, and a commitment
to seeing each patient as an individual.

Q. Is there a particular patient experience
that has stayed with you the most
throughout your career?

One of the most rewarding aspects
of my work is seeing patients regain
their confidence after recovering from surgery.

While there isn't just one patient who stands
out above all others, the moments that stay
 with me are the ones when patients share
how their lives have changed after treatment
whether it's hearing about the compliments
they have received, seeing them smile
more confidently, or learning how much
better they feel about themselves.

Those stories are often the highlight of my day.
Knowing that I have played a small part
in helping someone feel more comfortable,
confident, and happy in their own skin
is incredibly meaningful and continues
to remind me why I chose this profession.

Q. You seem to enjoy traveling.
Of all the places you've visited,
which destination would
you recommend the most?

My favorite destination is Costa Rica.

What makes Costa Rica so special
is the incredible variety of landscapes
packed into a relatively small area.

Beautiful beaches, waterfalls,
and lush tropical rainforests can all be reached
 within just a few hours of one another.

The natural scenery is absolutely
breathtaking, and there is no shortage
of outdoor activities to enjoy.

On a typical day, you can go horseback riding,
hike around a volcano, and then relax
 in natural hot springs all in the same day.

For anyone who loves nature, adventure,
and stunning scenery, Costa Rica is a destination
I would highly recommend.

Q. What do you think makes
Chicago such a special city?

Chicago is an incredible city with so much to offer.

One of the things I love most about it is
the beautiful riverwalk and lakefront.

Whether you want to go for a run,
enjoy a glass of wine along the river,
or take a boat ride out onto Lake Michigan,
there is always something enjoyable to do outdoors.

Another great aspect of Chicago is its
many unique neighborhoods,
each with its own character, culture, and charm.

During the summer, the city comes alive
with free outdoor movie screenings,
concerts, and community events
held in parks throughout the city.

And, in my opinion,
Chicago is home to some of the best
 restaurants and cuisine in the country.

My husband and I love exploring new restaurants
whenever we get the chance,
and the city's food scene never disappoints.

It's a vibrant, welcoming city that offers
a wonderful balance of culture, nature,
entertainment, and world-class dining.

Q. What are some of your favorite activities
and places to unwind when you're not working?

When I'm not working, I enjoy traveling,
reading, exercising, and spending
time with my family and friends.

Whenever possible, I try to stay active outdoors.

I enjoy activities such as hiking and skiing,
and I make an effort to incorporate
them into my free time whenever I can.

More recently,
I've developed a passion for cooking.
Especially during Chicago's colder months,
it's a wonderful indoor activity that allows me to relax,
be creative, and enjoy quality time at home.

For me, maintaining a balance between work
and personal life is about making time
for the things I genuinely enjoy and
the people who matter most to me.