Meet Dr. Maura Jacobi: A Doctor Who Truly Cares
Dr. Maura Jacobi’s journey to becoming a trusted physician is anything but ordinary. With a background in fine arts and theater, Dr. Jacobi brings an exceptional blend of empathy, humor, and professionalism to her practice, making her a standout in a healthcare world that can often feel impersonal.
From the Stage to the Exam Room
Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Jacobi earned a Fine Arts degree and worked as an actress in Chicago. She also portrayed standardized patients, helping medical students practice. This experience taught her how to understand and portray illness, not just through symptoms, but through the emotional and psychological aspects of being unwell.
The skills she developed—eye contact, humor, professionalism, and personal connection—now help her build strong relationships with patients, making them feel seen and understood in ways that might not always be possible in a traditional medical setting.
Why Dr. Jacobi Chose Independent Practice
A lot of us are drawn to independent healthcare practices because we’re frustrated by the limitations of large medical organizations. Dr. Jacobi, like many of her colleagues, is deeply committed to a healthcare model where doctors are not just providers but leaders in their organizations.
“In larger systems, doctors can feel further removed from the decision-making process,” she explains. “Here, we have control over our practice, and that’s incredibly valuable. We’re able to make decisions as a team and take actions that benefit our patients as a whole. It’s not just about treating individuals, but creating a wellness ecosystem.”
Dr. Jacobi emphasizes that in an independent practice, the physicians run the show, and they take immense pride in that. It’s a collective effort where sacrifices are made not for personal gain, but for the wellness of everyone involved. This collaborative approach results in personalized care that you won’t find in large, corporate-driven health systems.
The Importance of Personalized Care
Perhaps nowhere is this individualized attention more evident than in Dr. Jacobi’s OB practice. “In our practice, we make it a point to provide personalized care,” she says. “If you choose to have your baby with us, it’s likely your doctor will be the one delivering your baby.
This hands-on, personalized care is what makes the practice feel like a family. Dr. Jacobi and her colleagues are invested in their patients’ lives, not just their health. This kind of care takes time, energy, and commitment. “It’s about building long-term relationships,” Dr. Jacobi explains. “We’re not just here to treat a problem today. We want to be here for you and your family for years to come.”
The Hard Path: Doing What’s Right
For Dr. Jacobi, it’s all about doing the right thing, even if it’s not the easiest path. She recognizes that working in an independent practice often requires more effort and sacrifice compared to larger organizations, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I want to make sure I am giving my best to my patients, and sometimes that means taking the harder route,” she says.
Her dedication to the practice of medicine and her patients is unwavering. “I want this to be my only job,” she states. Dr. Jacobi doesn’t want to divide her attention between multiple roles. She’s committed to being there for her patients, and that’s something she’s proud of.
Outside the Clinic
When she’s not practicing medicine, you can find her at Centro in Highland Park, her go-to place for a great meal, or at Yarnary, a local yarn shop that has become her creative escape.
The Future: Growing Old with Her Patients
As an older physician who’s been at the practice for many years, Dr. Jacobi understands the importance of continuity in healthcare. She and the younger physicians in her practice share the sentiment that they want to grow old with their patients. “We want to be here for the long haul,” Dr. Jacobi says. “It’s not just about delivering excellent care today, but being there for our patients through all the stages of their lives.”
