Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist Aamir Mahmood, DPM, created Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic to get to know people on a personal level and provide them with the space they need to receive the best podiatric care. At the offices in Michigan City and Chesterton, Indiana, and Lombard, Illinois, Dr. Mahmood is excited to be a part of the community, and wants his patients to feel at home. His goal will always be to make them feel comfortable because when patients feel they can be honest with him, that’s when the real treatment begins.
Dr. Mahmood is a born and bred Chicago native who grew up knowing all too well the importance of podiatric health. He was born with pes planus (flat feet) and spent his childhood wearing orthotics, braces, and dealing with sporadic pain due to rigorous activity. These experiences allowed him to realize very early on that he wanted to pursue a career in medicine.
After completing his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University of Chicago, Dr. Mahmood decided to take a year to complete a Masters in Public Health from Benedictine University to equip him with a better understanding of a different viewpoint of medicine. From here, he completed his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine (formerly known as Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine). He then completed a three-year surgical residency at Jesse Brown VA in Chicago, specializing in foot and ankle surgery where he served as chief resident. During his residency, he presented peer-reviewed abstracts at multiple surgical and wound care conferences. His research won an award at the Symposium for Advanced Wound Care in 2018.
Dr. Mahmood has board qualifications in the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Forefoot/Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle.
When Dr. Mahmood isn’t a force of change in podiatry, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids. He is a car aficionado and loves to teach his kids everything he knows about cars. He also enjoys surrounding himself with friends and family and hosting gatherings. He is known to be an avid basketball player and an encyclopedia of trivial facts. What drives him in life is his passion for meeting people and creating lasting relationships.
Podiatrist Aamir Mahmood, DPM, created Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic to get to know people on a personal level and provide them with the space they need to receive the best podiatric care. At the offices in Michigan City and Chesterton, Indiana, and Lombard, Illinois, Dr. Mahmood is excited to be a part of the community, and wants his patients to feel at home. His goal will always be to make them feel comfortable because when patients feel they can be honest with him, that’s when the real treatment begins.
Dr. Mahmood is a born and bred Chicago native who grew up knowing all too well the importance of podiatric health. He was born with pes planus (flat feet) and spent his childhood wearing orthotics, braces, and dealing with sporadic pain due to rigorous activity. These experiences allowed him to realize very early on that he wanted to pursue a career in medicine.
After completing his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University of Chicago, Dr. Mahmood decided to take a year to complete a Masters in Public Health from Benedictine University to equip him with a better understanding of a different viewpoint of medicine. From here, he completed his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine (formerly known as Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine). He then completed a three-year surgical residency at Jesse Brown VA in Chicago, specializing in foot and ankle surgery where he served as chief resident. During his residency, he presented peer-reviewed abstracts at multiple surgical and wound care conferences. His research won an award at the Symposium for Advanced Wound Care in 2018.
Dr. Mahmood has board qualifications in the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Forefoot/Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle.
When Dr. Mahmood isn’t a force of change in podiatry, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids. He is a car aficionado and loves to teach his kids everything he knows about cars. He also enjoys surrounding himself with friends and family and hosting gatherings. He is known to be an avid basketball player and an encyclopedia of trivial facts. What drives him in life is his passion for meeting people and creating lasting relationships.
Jennifer Connor, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in operative and nonoperative foot and ankle care at Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers in Lincoln Square and Wicker Park, Chicago. Dr. Connor’s expertise includes trauma, sports-related injuries, tendon injuries, arthritis, deformities of the foot and ankle, and osteoporosis screening and treatment.
Dr. Connor earned her medical degree from Rush University Medical College in Chicago before completing an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she was a two-time recipient of the AOA award for excellence in teaching. Also during her residency, Dr. Connor received awards for outstanding performance in hand surgery and the Robert O. Ray award for basic orthopaedic research. Regional and national orthopaedic meetings often present Dr. Connor’s research.
After her residency, Dr. Connor completed a foot and ankle surgery fellowship at the Foundation for Orthopaedic, Athletic and Reconstructive Research in Houston. While involved in her fellowship training, Dr. Connor served as the team doctor for Rice University Athletics, and she assisted in the foot and ankle care of the Houston Texans, Rockets and Astros.
Committed to sharing her knowledge and volunteering, Dr. Connor traveled to Colombia with the Shriners Hospitals for Children to provide orthopaedic care to children and to Nigeria to provide orthopaedic surgical care with the Doctors Without Borders organization.
At Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers, Dr. Connor ensures each of her patients fully understands their diagnosis and treatment options. When necessary, Dr. Connor’s foot and ankle patients receive excellent orthopaedic care at the onsite physical therapy department.
Gabriel S. Levi, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and the director of joint reconstruction and sports medicine at Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers, with locations in Lincoln Square and Wicker Park, Chicago. In addition to his specialization of joint replacement and arthroscopy surgeries of the knee, hip, and shoulder, Dr. Levi utilizes the latest advances in orthopaedic medicine, including minimally invasive surgery, bloodless surgical techniques, computer-assisted surgery, and various methods of cartilage repair and restoration.
He recognizes every patient has a different level of injury to bones and joints and customizes treatment to their unique needs. While Dr. Levi enjoys helping patients with joint replacement surgery, he prefers to use other treatments to manage symptoms as long as possible before scheduling surgical procedures.
After surgery, Dr. Levi’s patients have access to a fully staffed physical therapy department onsite at Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers for a carefully managed and accelerated recovery.
Dr. Levi earned his doctoral degree and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where, for his excellence in patient care, he received the prestigious Leonard Weinstein, MD, award. Committed to lifelong education, Dr. Levi went on to complete a joint reconstruction and sports medicine fellowship at the Insall Scott Kelly Institute in New York City. As a published author, national and international meetings have presented Dr. Levi’s research.
To facilitate effective communication with his patients, Dr. Levi is fluent in both Spanish and English. He welcomes new and existing patients to Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers.
Jennifer Connor, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in operative and nonoperative foot and ankle care at Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers in Lincoln Square and Wicker Park, Chicago. Dr. Connor’s expertise includes trauma, sports-related injuries, tendon injuries, arthritis, deformities of the foot and ankle, and osteoporosis screening and treatment.
Dr. Connor earned her medical degree from Rush University Medical College in Chicago before completing an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she was a two-time recipient of the AOA award for excellence in teaching. Also during her residency, Dr. Connor received awards for outstanding performance in hand surgery and the Robert O. Ray award for basic orthopaedic research. Regional and national orthopaedic meetings often present Dr. Connor’s research.
After her residency, Dr. Connor completed a foot and ankle surgery fellowship at the Foundation for Orthopaedic, Athletic and Reconstructive Research in Houston. While involved in her fellowship training, Dr. Connor served as the team doctor for Rice University Athletics, and she assisted in the foot and ankle care of the Houston Texans, Rockets and Astros.
Committed to sharing her knowledge and volunteering, Dr. Connor traveled to Colombia with the Shriners Hospitals for Children to provide orthopaedic care to children and to Nigeria to provide orthopaedic surgical care with the Doctors Without Borders organization.
At Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers, Dr. Connor ensures each of her patients fully understands their diagnosis and treatment options. When necessary, Dr. Connor’s foot and ankle patients receive excellent orthopaedic care at the onsite physical therapy department.
Gabriel S. Levi, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and the director of joint reconstruction and sports medicine at Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers, with locations in Lincoln Square and Wicker Park, Chicago. In addition to his specialization of joint replacement and arthroscopy surgeries of the knee, hip, and shoulder, Dr. Levi utilizes the latest advances in orthopaedic medicine, including minimally invasive surgery, bloodless surgical techniques, computer-assisted surgery, and various methods of cartilage repair and restoration.
He recognizes every patient has a different level of injury to bones and joints and customizes treatment to their unique needs. While Dr. Levi enjoys helping patients with joint replacement surgery, he prefers to use other treatments to manage symptoms as long as possible before scheduling surgical procedures.
After surgery, Dr. Levi’s patients have access to a fully staffed physical therapy department onsite at Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers for a carefully managed and accelerated recovery.
Dr. Levi earned his doctoral degree and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where, for his excellence in patient care, he received the prestigious Leonard Weinstein, MD, award. Committed to lifelong education, Dr. Levi went on to complete a joint reconstruction and sports medicine fellowship at the Insall Scott Kelly Institute in New York City. As a published author, national and international meetings have presented Dr. Levi’s research.
To facilitate effective communication with his patients, Dr. Levi is fluent in both Spanish and English. He welcomes new and existing patients to Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers.
John Pomponi, DO, FAAOS, FAAHKS, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and serves as director of orthopaedic surgery at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants in Merrillville, Indiana. His mission is to provide comprehensive care to individuals living in and around Lake County.
Born in Rochester, Michigan, Dr. Pomponi earned his Bachelor of Science in pre-medical studies at the Massachusetts College of Health Sciences. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his general internship at MSU’s McLaren Oakland Medical Center, where he also completed his orthopaedic surgery residency and served as chief resident.
Over the last decade, Dr. Pomponi has applied his versatile skills as an orthopaedic surgeon at many area hospitals and surgery centers, including serving as director of orthopaedic surgery at Broadwest Surgical Center in Merrillville, Indiana.
Dr. Pomponi looks forward to welcoming new and returning patients to Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants.
John Pomponi, DO, FAAOS, FAAHKS, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and serves as director of orthopaedic surgery at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants in Merrillville, Indiana. His mission is to provide comprehensive care to individuals living in and around Lake County.
Born in Rochester, Michigan, Dr. Pomponi earned his Bachelor of Science in pre-medical studies at the Massachusetts College of Health Sciences. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his general internship at MSU’s McLaren Oakland Medical Center, where he also completed his orthopaedic surgery residency and served as chief resident.
Over the last decade, Dr. Pomponi has applied his versatile skills as an orthopaedic surgeon at many area hospitals and surgery centers, including serving as director of orthopaedic surgery at Broadwest Surgical Center in Merrillville, Indiana.
Dr. Pomponi looks forward to welcoming new and returning patients to Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants.
Dr. Bayer was born and raised in Lowell, Indiana. Her interest in pursuing a career in orthopedics and sports medicine surgery started after breaking her ankle during a college basketball game her senior season. Dr. Bayer’s many hobbies include: cooking, reading, mountain biking, hiking, and anything sports related. To date she has run two half-marathons and one off-road triathlon.
She has previously worked as assistant football team physician at Eastern Michigan University and University of Michigan assistant team physician for both hockey and football. She worked with numerous teams while at the University of Wisconsin, including football, hockey, cheerleading, swimming, track, cross country and crew. While at University of Wisconsin, Dr. Bayer worked as assistant team physician for the January 2013 Rose Bowl game against Stanford. Since returning to NWI, Dr. Bayer has volunteered her medical services at several local high schools as well as with the Indiana NICA organization.
John Pomponi, DO, FAAOS, FAAHKS, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and serves as director of orthopaedic surgery at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants in Merrillville, Indiana. His mission is to provide comprehensive care to individuals living in and around Lake County.
Born in Rochester, Michigan, Dr. Pomponi earned his Bachelor of Science in pre-medical studies at the Massachusetts College of Health Sciences. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his general internship at MSU’s McLaren Oakland Medical Center, where he also completed his orthopaedic surgery residency and served as chief resident.
Over the last decade, Dr. Pomponi has applied his versatile skills as an orthopaedic surgeon at many area hospitals and surgery centers, including serving as director of orthopaedic surgery at Broadwest Surgical Center in Merrillville, Indiana.
Dr. Pomponi looks forward to welcoming new and returning patients to Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants.
John Pomponi, DO, FAAOS, FAAHKS, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and serves as director of orthopaedic surgery at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants in Merrillville, Indiana. His mission is to provide comprehensive care to individuals living in and around Lake County.
Born in Rochester, Michigan, Dr. Pomponi earned his Bachelor of Science in pre-medical studies at the Massachusetts College of Health Sciences. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his general internship at MSU’s McLaren Oakland Medical Center, where he also completed his orthopaedic surgery residency and served as chief resident.
Over the last decade, Dr. Pomponi has applied his versatile skills as an orthopaedic surgeon at many area hospitals and surgery centers, including serving as director of orthopaedic surgery at Broadwest Surgical Center in Merrillville, Indiana.
Dr. Pomponi looks forward to welcoming new and returning patients to Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants.
Vasili Karas, MD, MS, is a board certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and rapid recovery hip and knee replacements, as well as complex revision joint surgeries. He is committed to empowering his patients to overcome their pain and resume the activities they love.
A Chicagoland native with the goal of giving back to his community, Dr. Karas earned his medical degree at Rush University’s Medical College in Chicago. He then went to North Carolina to complete his residency training at Duke University Medical Center. After that, he returned to Chicago to finish his fellowship training in hip and knee replacement surgery at Rush University Medical Center.
Dr. Karas’ approach to medicine involves spending time with his patients, fostering good communication, and offering the latest advances in medical technology. He has over 40 peer reviewed publications and is a committee member of the American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS). Through physical therapy, joint injections, and surgical procedures, he strives to get patients back on their feet as quickly as possible without compromising technique. He works closely with patients throughout their road to recovery and is highly skilled in addressing the full spectrum of concerns when it comes to hip or knee joints.
Whether a patient is continuing to have pain after a previous joint replacement, needs a second opinion, or is seeking the best surgeon to perform a knee or hip replacement for osteoarthritis, Dr. Karas feels privileged to care for his patients whether they be Chicago natives or come from anywhere in the world.
Practice Emphasis
Dr. Karas specializes in rapid recovery surgery but also is happy to take on complex cases and revision, or re-do joint replacements. Whether it be surgical approach, length of stay, use of technology, or any special needs you may have, Dr. Karas is committed to offering patients the options they need to have an excellent patient experience and a successful joint replacement.
Areas of Expertise:
Dr. Karas is recognized for his expertise in:
Minimally Invasive Total Hip and Knee Replacements
Outpatient & Same-Day Joint Replacement
Partial Knee Replacements
Complex joint reconstruction, revision surgery, infection surgery
Robotic assisted hip and knee replacement, Computer navigation assisted hip and knee replacement
Second opinion for existing painful total joints
Non-operative and conservative treatment for hip and knee pain
Research Interests
Biomechanics of the knee and of joint replacement
Sports and activity after joint replacement
Advanced surgical technology in joint replacement
Education, Certifications & Training
Assistant Professor - Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago IL
Fellowship - Adult Reconstruction, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Residency - Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC
Medical School - Rush University Medical College, Chicago IL
Bachelors of Science - University of Notre Dame, South Bend IN
Vasili Karas, MD, MS, is a board certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and rapid recovery hip and knee replacements, as well as complex revision joint surgeries. He is committed to empowering his patients to overcome their pain and resume the activities they love.
A Chicagoland native with the goal of giving back to his community, Dr. Karas earned his medical degree at Rush University’s Medical College in Chicago. He then went to North Carolina to complete his residency training at Duke University Medical Center. After that, he returned to Chicago to finish his fellowship training in hip and knee replacement surgery at Rush University Medical Center.
Dr. Karas’ approach to medicine involves spending time with his patients, fostering good communication, and offering the latest advances in medical technology. He has over 40 peer reviewed publications and is a committee member of the American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS). Through physical therapy, joint injections, and surgical procedures, he strives to get patients back on their feet as quickly as possible without compromising technique. He works closely with patients throughout their road to recovery and is highly skilled in addressing the full spectrum of concerns when it comes to hip or knee joints.
Whether a patient is continuing to have pain after a previous joint replacement, needs a second opinion, or is seeking the best surgeon to perform a knee or hip replacement for osteoarthritis, Dr. Karas feels privileged to care for his patients whether they be Chicago natives or come from anywhere in the world.
Practice Emphasis
Dr. Karas specializes in rapid recovery surgery but also is happy to take on complex cases and revision, or re-do joint replacements. Whether it be surgical approach, length of stay, use of technology, or any special needs you may have, Dr. Karas is committed to offering patients the options they need to have an excellent patient experience and a successful joint replacement.
Areas of Expertise:
Dr. Karas is recognized for his expertise in:
Minimally Invasive Total Hip and Knee Replacements
Outpatient & Same-Day Joint Replacement
Partial Knee Replacements
Complex joint reconstruction, revision surgery, infection surgery
Robotic assisted hip and knee replacement, Computer navigation assisted hip and knee replacement
Second opinion for existing painful total joints
Non-operative and conservative treatment for hip and knee pain
Research Interests
Biomechanics of the knee and of joint replacement
Sports and activity after joint replacement
Advanced surgical technology in joint replacement
Education, Certifications & Training
Assistant Professor - Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago IL
Fellowship - Adult Reconstruction, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Residency - Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC
Medical School - Rush University Medical College, Chicago IL
Bachelors of Science - University of Notre Dame, South Bend IN
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