Meeting and working with someone in one of their most scary moments in life is not new for Keenan Hawkins, MD, Pulmonary and Critical Care Specialist at NorthShore. It’s one of the rewarding reasons Dr. Hawkins does what he does, to help those in need and provide them with state-of-the-art diagnostic care from beginning to recovery. Get to know the man behind the care:

What attracted you to your specialty?

The specialty of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine involves a unique combination of exposure to both the inpatient and outpatient care settings. This is particularly attractive to practitioners in our field as it provides balance to our work and also allows for the opportunity to be a part of our patients care from both a preventative health standpoint as well as during times of acute illness.

Who comprises the team that supports the care that you provide to patients?

There are a range of individuals from multiple areas and specialties throughout the NorthShore healthcare system who play key roles in the care we provide to our patients in the NorthShore Advanced Pulmonary Diagnostics Program. We have developed an incredibly productive and efficient working relationship with the Highland Park Hospital Endoscopy Lab and the NorthShore Anesthesia, Radiology, Pathology, and Respiratory Therapy departments. All of these services generously contribute their time and expertise to the procedures performed within our program.

What makes the Kellogg Cancer Center unique?

The Kellogg Cancer Center’s Thoracic Oncology Program is comprised of physicians and practitioners from a range of medical and surgical specialties with the goal of achieving a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the care of patients with a diagnosis of lung cancer. The dedicated efforts and ease of which members from across all of the specialties expedite patient care and maintain communications with one another, despite the expansive breadth of our healthcare system, is one part of what makes our program unique.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The opportunity and privilege of being in a position to contribute to the care of our patients in the most efficient and effective ways possible is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.