Dr. Santiago Candocia takes pride in being a concierge doctor in Chicago and advocate for his patients. By offering an enhanced suite of services that include same-day appointments, 24-hour access to physicians, preventive health and wellness advice, and coordination of specialist care, concierge physicians at Dedication Health can spend more time with their patients and provide what they describe as more in-depth, higher quality health care.
Along with providing high-quality health care, Dr. Candocia serves as a patient advocate with outside specialists and hospitals. “Working in a Concierge style practice allows me the time to look for solutions to problems that are not offered by other specialists. I can refer anywhere in the country and look for the best of the best when a unique problem arises,” explains Dr. Candocia. This coordination of care can be life-saving for patients with complicated conditions.
Patient with Rare Disease Seeks Help
At 17, Michael Ambrose was a high school student in Chicago that came down with what he thought was a nasty case of stomach flu. After visiting several doctors, all of whom had difficulty determining the cause, Michael’s case became a subject at medical conferences as his physicians strived to solve the mystery.
After a colonoscopy and genetic testing, Micheal finally got answers. He was diagnosed with a rare hereditary disease called juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS), as well as a rare blood disorder called hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The disease severely impacted Michael’s life. He had endoscopies and colonoscopies every six months, with removals of “dozens and dozens” of polyps in his colon, intestines and stomach.
At the age of 27, Michael suddenly became tired, dizzy and winded. Next, he couldn’t walk or lift his arm without getting exhausted and was on bed rest for several weeks. The cause was internal bleeding from a polyp so large that doctors at several top hospitals said they could not remove it endoscopically. Instead, they advised, Michael should have part of his stomach removed in a surgical procedure known as a gastrectomy.
Dr. Candocia Coordinates Care with Patient
Unwilling to have such a radical surgery, especially at such a young age, Michael considered going to Japan. Where less invasive, endoscopic techniques for his illness are available. He met with his concierge doctor in Chicago, Dr. Santiago Candocia to discuss the matter. Dr. Candocia was then able to refer him to a specialist closer to home that uses the same techniques. Dr. Candocia helped get Micheal an appointment with the gastroenterologist, Dr. Amit Bhatt. After receiving treatment, Michael has now been able to live a normal life with a normal diet.
Those who would like to learn more about concierge medicine or to find a concierge doctor in Chicago can call Dedication Health at 847-986-6770.
Dr. Santiago A. Candocia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from Northwestern University. Dr. Candocia studied at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Northwestern University Medical School.
Find a Concierge Doctor in Chicago
Dr. Candocia is a concierge doctor in Chicago at Dedication Health, an innovative concierge medical practice. Conveniently located in Winnetka, Illinois, the practice brings patient-first healthcare to Chicago’s North Shore community and northern suburbs. With premium services and more than 60 years of combined experience, the physicians of Dedication Health tailor each visit to the patient’s needs and aim to create an attentive and holistic medical partnership with each member.