Local Named One of Chicago’s Top Docs for Kids

Glen Ellyn resident James McDonnell practices opthamology but one thing that sets him apart from the rest of the medical field is his 24 years of comedic performance, which he says helps him connect with kid patients. And that ability landed him on a list of top doctors for kids.

Recently, McDonnell was named one of Chicago’s Favorite Kid Docs by Chicago Parent Magazine. And, it may have been his knack for improv that propelled him to one of the top spots.

For McDonnell, connecting with a child is not that difficult, “If you’re like me, you never grew out of that mindset.”

At McDonell’s office it’s all about making the visit into a game. It can be scary for children to visit the eye doctor, and parents can feel vulnerable, so McDonnell said it’s all about having fun and breaking the ice with a few laughs.

“I think we try to go out of our way to listen to what parents are concerned about. We have kids of our own, so we know how precious they are—you got to love children.”

That means a few laughs (at no extra cost).

When McDonnell isn’t suited up as a doctor, you can catch him performing at ComedySportz in Chicago. It may seem unusual to be a comedian and a doctor but McDonnell joked, “somebody’s got to do it.”

McDonnell's practice is located at the Oakbrook Terrace Medical Center in Oakbrook but he also teaches at Loyola University. He used to live in the city of Chicago but after having children of his own he missed out on spending time with them because of the constant commuting. After relocating to Glen Ellyn, a mid-way point between his work at Loyola and Oakbrook Terrace, he now has more time to enjoy with his family.

McDonnell specializes in fixing children and adults with misaligned eyes and he said, far too often, individuals with this problem are told their eyes will never be corrected, which is tragic, said McDonnell.

Giving the gift of sight is McDonnell’s favorite part of being an opthamologist, “It’s wonderful to watch.”

In many cases, McDonnell ends up seeing his kid patients regularly, even more than their family physician, and he’s watched many of them grow up, graduate and even walk down the aisle.

After building relationships that span years with his patients, making this list makes him happy to know that he’s impacted their lives.

“I’m glad the parents and kids like and appreciate the care we give them.”