Dr. Michael J Waligora
“Medicine is a blend or art and science. While I am fascinated by the science, which is constantly changing, it is the art of the relationships I value more, as they are the foundation of healing and wellness.”
- Michael J Waligora, MD
Concierge Cardiologist – Dr. Waligora
Dr. Michael J Waligora is a board-certified cardiologist at Dedication Health with more than 30 years of experience in cardiovascular medicine. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, and complex heart rhythm disorders.
Dr. Waligora continues a legacy of healthcare and healing spanning 3 generations. His grandfather, Daniel J Waligora, was a cardiologist as well, serving in the United States Army and achieving the rank of colonel. He was in charge of the field hospitals in the European theater during WWII. Following the war, he elected to retire from the military in order to continue his clinical medical practice, foregoing a promotion to general. His grandmother, Dolores Waligora, was an OB-GYN nurse. His father, Daniel P Waligora, retired at age 80 after a more than 50-year career practicing internal medicine. His mother, Margaret Anne “Peggy” Waligora, is a retired nurse who spent 30 years as a school nurse in the California public school system.
Dr. Waligora attended Santa Clara University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in biology. He was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society. He earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, where he won the Goronwy O. Broun Award for outstanding performance in Internal Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at Northwestern University. He remained at Northwestern University for his general cardiology fellowship, where he was named the chief fellow.
His expertise spans preventive cardiology, sports cardiology, advanced diagnostics, and interventional therapies, enabling him to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.
His approach to medicine is grounded in providing thorough, thoughtful care and building strong relationships with patients. He believes that the best outcomes occur when patients feel heard, understood, and supported in every step of their care.
At Dedication Health, Dr. Waligora values the concierge model of medicine, which allows him to combine advanced cardiovascular expertise with the time, access, and personal attention every patient deserves. This approach ensures that patients receive not only expert diagnostics and treatment, but also the individualized support that is essential for long-term heart health.
AFFILIATE HOSPITALS
NorthShore University Health System
Glenbrook Hospital
Evanston Hospital
Skokie Hospital
Highland Park
EXPERTISE
Cardiology
Question & Answer with Dr. Waligora
Joining Dedication Health has allowed me to care for patients in the way that was traditionally practiced: one patient at a time with a focus on the whole patient over the course of their lifetime.
In the past, I’ve tried to deliver concierge care to all my patients, but it was impossible to care for so many people and deliver truly personalized care – no matter how many hours per day I tried.
Immediate access to care by phone, text, email or in-person, as well as being able to care for patients in a hospital, as opposed to random hospital staff caring for my patients in their most trying moments.
Taking care of people who consider me their doctor for life.
Concierge medicine is for people who place a high value on their health care and staying healthy. They value having a caring, compassionate and knowledgeable doctor on their side to get them through the easy, as well as the difficult, times in their lives.