Medical Services • Pancreas Care

Malcolm M. Bilimoria, MD

Dr. Bilimoria, director of the Illinois Center for Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Diseases, is an expert in the Whipple procedure, considered one of the most complex surgeries in existence, second only to organ transplants. For many pancreatic cancer patients, the Whipple procedure can increase survival and offers a real chance at a cure, making it the best treatment in Chicago. As a surgical oncologist specializing in pancreatic and hepatobiliary surgeries, Dr. Bilimoria has averaged 50 to 75 Whipple surgeries per year over the past 10 years, compared to some surgeons who may perform only 10 a year.

Willis Parsons, MD

Dr. Willis Parsons, medical director of the Gastroenterology Center at Northwest Community Hospital, specializes in advanced interventional GI procedures and the management of pancreaticobiliary disease. Dr. Parsons completed his residency and fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, followed by an interventional endoscopy fellowship with Dr. Douglas Howell at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Katie A. Kopin, PA-C

Katie A. Kopin is a board-certified physician assistant who joined Advanced Surgical Associates in 2010. She received a master's degree in clinical medicine science in physician assistant studies from Barry University in Florida and was named valedictorian of her graduating class. She earned her bachelor's degree in physiology from the University of Arizona.

Allison Soward, PA-C

Allison Soward is a board-certified physician assistant who has been in practice with Advanced Surgical Associates since 2008. She received her master's degree in physician assistant studies from Rosalind Franklin University, formerly Chicago Medical School. As a student, she trained with the surgeons of Advanced Surgical Associates and after a short period at Glenbrook Hospital (NorthShore University HealthSystem), she joined the practice as a full-time physician assistant.

Kathy Lamont, RN, BS, MBA

Kathy Lamont is the director of the GI Center at Northwest Community Hospital. She graduated from National Louis University with a bachelor's degree in healthcare leadership and a master's in business administration. She has been the nurse manager of the Gastroenterology Center at Northwest Community Hospital since 1994.

Stephanie Evans, RN, BSN

Stephanie Evans received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Olivet Nazarene University. As the Pancreas Nurse Navigator, Stephanie will talk to you about surgery, discuss tissue research, and schedule your pre- and post-surgical appointments. She will provide you with educational materials and support group information, all while keeping you up to date with the latest information regarding your treatment plan.