Doctor Brothers celebrate 25 years in health care

Twenty five years ago two brothers, Dr. Robert Gerowitz, 52, and Dr. Donald Garrett, 56, opened what is called today a boutique practice in Arlington Heights for their optometry and chiropractic practices named the Gallaudet Health Center.

The two brothers have come a long way since they shared their Gallaudet Health Center offices, but have always remained close in proximity and in their philosophies and beliefs. Their current offices are only two blocks away from each other on Euclid Avenue in Palatine. They also still adhere to the concepts of a boutique practice and their practices have grown to include family members as well as other employees.

“From the day we opened, we have always believed in the boutique concept where we spend a significant amount of time communicating and interacting with our patients,” said Dr. Gerowitz. “Exam time is always devoted to listening to questions, problems and concerns. By getting to know our patients, we can determine their most appropriate course of care.”

The two brothers have always had an interest in the deaf and because of these feelings named their original practice the Gallaudet Health Center in honor of Thomas Gallaudet. Gallaudet was a deaf educator and the inventor of American Sign Language. Gallaudet University, a school for the deaf and hard of hearing located in Washington DC, honored the doctors by allowing them to use their name.

The two doctors recognized at the onset of their practices that hearing impaired individuals may avoid seeking medical attention because of their difficultly in communicating with the doctor. To alleviate this problem, both doctors learned to sign when they launched their practices. Dr. Gerowitz is today still extremely active in working with hearing impaired individuals.

Dr. Gerowitz graduated with honors from Northeastern Illinois University in 1977 with a degree in Pre-Optometry. In 1979 at the Illinois College of Optometry, he received a second bachelor's degree in Visual Science and in 1981 was awarded his doctorate in Optometry. In 1994, Dr. Gerowitz was named "Best and Brightest" in Optometry by 20/20 Magazine and in 1997 Eyegrad, an association of Optometrists, named him "Optometrist of the Year.” Dr. Gerowitz is one of only 35 doctors in the world to hold Fellowship status in Orthokeratology or corneal reshaping.

Dr. Garrett holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University and a second baccalaureate in human biology from National College of Chiropractic. He also received his Doctorate, graduating cum laude with a citation for excellence in Anatomical Dissection, from National College of Chiropractic in 1982. In 1992, he received the Diplomate in Chiropractic Orthopedics placing him among only 1% of the 50,000 chiropractors in the United Sates to receive this honor.

To commemorate their anniversary the brothers held a week long celebration during the first week of February. The celebration included an eyeglass fashion show and a seminar on an alternative to laser surgery called Orthokeratology or the Gentle Shaping System. Free x-rays and chiropractic treatments were also available to patients and prospective patients. “I know that even the healthiest of individuals have issues that a chiropractor can eliminate,” said Dr. Garrett. “This is my way of saying thanks to our community while eliminating a little pain and suffering.”

A 23 year Palatine resident, Dr. Gerowitz is a member of the Rotary Club of Palatine and was listed as "Rotarian of the Year 1998-99." He has also served on the board of directors for the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Garrett, also from Palatine, is a past Vice President of the Illinois Chiropractic Health Plan, an independent physician's association. He currently serves on the board of B.N.I., a local Palatine business association.

For further information on the anniversary celebration or Dr. Gerowitz write to Dr. Robert Gerowitz 4880 Euclid Ave. Palatine, IL 60067, call 847-705-7777, email dr.gerowitz@comcast.net or visit www.allaboutorthok.net. For information on Dr. Garrett or the celebration write to Dr. Donald Garrett Advanced Pain Relief Specialists 5190 Euclid Avenue Palatine, IL 60067, call 847-202-0002, email dr.dc@sbcglobal.net or visit www.drdongarrett.com.