CLAUS FIMMEL, M.D.

Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Dr. Fimmel obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from Philipps University (Marburg, Germany). He completed his internal medicine residency at the Wadsworth and Sepulveda VA Hospitals in Los Angeles, followed by a gastroenterology fellowship at UCLA. Subsequently, he embarked on an academic career as a hepatologist, holding faculty positions at Saint Louis University and Loyola University Medical Center. Most recently, he served as the Director of the Hepatology Section at NorthShore/Endeavor Health.

PHILOSOPHY

Dr. Fimmel considers his patients as unique and equal partners in all aspects of their care. Establishing a full understanding of their liver disease, formulating the best treatment plan, and making sure that the agreed-upon plan is implemented will typically take years. The relationship between his patients and himself will be based on mutual trust, openness, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt to the disease and new treatment modalities. The field of hepatology is currently witnessing an unprecedented growth, due in part to the stunning increase in metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (previously called “fatty liver disease”). New non-invasive tests, including liver stiffness and fat content measurements, have become an integral part of the diagnostic evaluation, and form the basis of Dr. Fimmel’s clinical practice. New medications and dietary regimens are becoming available at a rapid rate and will be incorporated into the care of his patients.

Despite the patient’s and the treatment team’s best efforts, some patients with chronic liver disease will require higher-level care at a liver transplant center. Over the past years, Dr. Fimmel has developed close working relationships with the five liver transplant centers in the Greater Chicago area and has helped numerous patients undergo successful liver transplantation or complex treatments for liver cancer. Recognizing the need for a timely referral will be a key component of his practice.

PERSONAL LIFE

Dr. Fimmel lives in Ravinia with his wife and two dogs. He enjoys outdoor activities – in addition to dog-walking, he likes to train for (and sometimes compete in) triathlon races.