A new wing has opened at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn to provide the utmost care for patients who need facial reconstruction surgery.
The official ribbon-cutting was held Monday afternoon to officially introduce the Oral & Maxillofacial Head and Neck Associates center at the hospital, 4400 W. 95th St., Suite 113.
Dr. Mohammed Qaisi, one of five physicians who will provide surgery to patients who have suffered major facial injuries or dealing with deformities, was on hand for the ceremony and is pleased that the center has opened at the Oak Lawn hospital.
“We are super excited to be here,” Qaisi said. “I want to thank everyone for the hard work that they do. I feel very fortunate to be here.”
Qaisi, a native of Baton Rouge, La., was a member of the faculty at the University of Mississippi Medical Center prior to moving to Chicago. He led a team of physicians to perform the “Fibula Jaw in Day” procedure, making his group the second in the country to perform this reconstructive technique.
Oral maxillofacial surgeons address complex facial injuries, including fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, nasal bones, and orbits around the eyes. They realign bones, repair soft tissue damage, and ensure that the patient’s facial structure functions optimally and they feel confident in their appearance, according to Qaisi.
He added that some individuals are born with congenital defects or developmental abnormalities affecting the facial structures or jaw alignment. Maxillofacial surgery offers corrective options for conditions such as cleft lip and palate, jaw deformities, or craniofacial syndromes.
Other notable physicians who will assist in offering maxillofacial surgery through and at Advocate Christ Medical Center are Dr. James Murphy and Dr. Joseph Allegretti. Both have extensive training for these complex surgeries.
Amela Rozajac, who serves as a consultant for the center and other facilities, said that some of the surgeries would be performed right at Advocate Christ Medical Center. But other advanced care will take place at other medical centers, she said.
Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer was on hand for the ribbon-cutting as were members of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce, who helped arrange the event.
“Thank you doctors for bringing your office here,” Vorderer said. “This is our first ribbon-cutting of the year. I know you will do well and you will help save lives.”
Natasha Miller Williams, who is serving her last week as president of the Oak Lawn Chamber for 2024, said she is delighted that the maxillofacial surgery physicians are at Advocate Christ Medical Center.
“I will still be here,” Miller Williams said about her involvement with the chamber. “And I wish you plenty of success here.”
Rozajac said this was a great location for the maxillofacial surgeons because it is a trauma center as well.
“I’m honored to be working here,” Qaisi said. This is a natural transition for us here.”