Amanda Springer, MD - Beacon Medical Group Ireland Road

According to Dr. Catherine Wolff’s parents, when she was just three years old, she was walking around stating she was going to be a doctor. She doesn’t recall that herself, but she tells us that, "In college, I obtained my master’s in athletic training, but as much as I loved sports, it did not hold enough diversity for me." She went on to medical school and discovered internal medicine. "I have never once gotten bored with all its fascinating intricacies." As a general internist, Dr. Wolff cares for adults with single and multiple complex medical issues. "I see myself as the captain of the ship," she says. "I help guide my patients through the sometimes-murky waters of the medical field." Many need specialists, and sometimes multiple specialists, so Dr. Wolff is there to help monitor "the whole person" and to be an advocate for her patients. She enjoys the long-term relationships she has built, especially seeing people succeed when the road gets rocky. "I meet my patients where they’re at and work to help them achieve their health goals," she explains of her philosophy. "If you’re 85 and your goal is to stay in your home and be as independent as possible, I’ll work with you to achieve it. If you’re 45 and have high blood pressure, I will push to get those numbers down, so you’ll have the longest and best life possible." Over the years, Dr. Wolff’s patients have taught her that the human body is incredibly resilient, and people have amazing strength. That’s why she encourages everyone to continue to try and achieve their best health. True to her love for athletics, she says: "Life is a marathon, not a sprint." In her own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? Grandma – a hard working farm wife. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? Picking rocks out of the fields and walking beans. I remember thinking to myself, I need an education. What is your favorite food? Movie? What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My favorite food is Thanksgiving dinner. Favorite movie is Miss Congeniality. Spelling was my worst subject. History was my best. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone, alive or deceased, who would it be and why? Aretha Franklin. She was incredibly talented. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I enjoy home improvement projects, working on landscaping and BIG 10 football. What is something most people don’t know about you? I love to roast my own coffee beans. I have planted over 100 trees on my property.

About Dr. Daugherty He doesn’t remember a specific moment he decided to become a doctor. But Dr. Mitchell E. Daugherty has been around medicine his entire life; his mother and sister are both nurses. “I thought I would enjoy practicing medicine, so I made it my personal goal, and I stuck with it. My love of science classes along with volunteer work in local physician offices and hospitals helped solidify this decision.” To achieve this goal, Dr. Daugherty pursued his medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford after receiving his bachelor of science at the University of Illinois in Urbana. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at Memorial Hospital in South Bend and his Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at The Ohio State University. The most important knowledge for Dr. Daugherty came from outside of school. “I learned medicine from textbooks and teachers, but I’ve learned how to be a good physician from my patients. No two patients are the same, and they don’t often follow the textbook presentation.” He uses this knowledge when treating patients. “I see patients of all ages for their primary care needs, but I also have a specialized interest in treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries and guiding patients to maintain a physically active lifestyle,” he says. “As a sports medicine physician, I will always push to keep you mobile, active and exercising throughout your entire life.” As for what Dr. Daugherty hopes patients learn from him? “Each patient’s question and concern is important, and it is an honor and a privilege to be a part of their health care team and help them achieve a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.” In his own words Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My parents. I have been blessed with wonderful role models who have helped me get to where I am today, and I work hard each day to emulate their values. What was your first job growing up? Detailing cars at a local car dealership. It was hard work but a great job starting out. You would not believe how dirty some of the trade-ins are before they go out on the lot. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My great-grandpa Hess whom I was named after. I always have heard stories about what a great man he was, and I wish I had the chance to get to know him. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? Hunting, fishing, getting out and enjoying the great outdoors. Running, cycling, sand volleyball. St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Fighting Illini and Ohio State Buckeye sports.

Dr. David received his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program