Douglas Toussaint, D.O., Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Douglas Toussaint, D.O., Obstetrician/Gynecologist
 Medical School: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL (1991)
Special honors: Outstanding student award, finishing #1 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Training: Four year internship and residency at Midwestern University with electives in infertility and reproductive endocrinology at Rush and Northwestern University in Chicago. Fellowship completed in February 1999.
Reasons to see Dr. Toussaint:
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Pregnancy, labor and post partum care
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High risk pregnancies (diabetes, seizure disorders, endocrine conditions, blood clotting disorders, drug addiction, HIV. Dr. Toussaint and his partners work closely with Maternal Fetal Medicine at Loyola and the University of Illinois.
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Diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive system disorders
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Minimally invasive female surgeries, including laparoscopic hysterectomy (can be done either taking or leaving the cervix, whichever is in the patient's best interest. Patients usually stay in the hospital up to 23 hours post operatively for observation and go home within a day of surgery.)
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Hysteroscopy and endometrial ablation outpatient treatments for heavy menses (performed in Dr. Toussaint's office with patients typically returning to work and normal activity the next day. May be an alternative to hysterectomy.)
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Treatment for stress urinary incontinence or urge incontinence. (Dr. Toussaint brought the laparoscopic burch procedure to Morris Hospital in 1995 and the first outpatient TVT bladder sling in 1999. He was trained by Dr. Tim McKinney, a urogynecologist and pioneer in bladder surgery from New Jersey. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes to perform and has a very high success rate for stress incontinence.)
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Permanent sterilization in the office setting using "Essure," a procedures that involves placing titanium coils into the fallopian tubes with the hysteroscope while the patient is awake. (Saves the patient money and avoids a riskier procedure such as a laparoscopic tubal ligation.)
Philosophy: In his private practice, Dr. Toussaint concentrates on following the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' guidelines. He attempts to use minimally invasive techniques when possible and is cost conscious, meaning he does not perform unnecessary surgeries when more conservative therapies are available.
Office Locations:
237 W. Waverly St., Morris, IL; 815.941.0441
201 S. Wabena St., Minooka, IL; 815.521.4600
We gave Dr. Toussaint a selection of questions. Here are the ones he chose, along with his answers:
What or who influenced you to become a physician?
Dr. Toussaint: My grandfather, Victor E. LaRue, was a huge influence in my life. He put himself through law school at Northwestern and graduated in 1922. He was a federal prosecutor and had many high profile cases in the 1920s and 1930s including many mobsters, bootleggers, and worked on Al Capone?s trial. He always told me for your life to have value, you need to contribute to society and leave the world a better place. In other words, make the most of your God given life and talent.
When my father passed away at age 55 from multiple myeloma and my grandmother entered an extended care living facility, I decided to redirect my life from a family manufacturer representative and wholesale woodworking business and prepare for medical school. Since I had graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, IL in 1976 with a double major in political science and business administration, I needed to complete another two years of undergraduate work to even sit for the MCATs. Finally, in 1987, I matriculated into medical school as a freshman thinking I would study medical oncology or geriatric medicine. My very first rotation was OB/GYN and I had found my niche. I kept an open mind throughout the remainder of my rotations, but there wasn't even a close second. I am happy with my choice and I have never looked back.
Another way I try to make a difference is by managing the high risk OB/GYN patients at Dwight Correctional Center. This involves twice weekly visits to Dwight Correctional. These patients are a particularly challenging group with histories of malnourishment, lack of prenatal care, polysubstance abuse, STDs, and HIV.
Where did you grow up?
Dr. Toussaint: On the south side of Chicago in a neighborhood called Beverly. I went to Sutherland Elementary School and Morgan Park High School.
What is your favorite sport to watch?
Dr. Toussaint: Mixed martial arts fighting in the octagon.
Where is the farthest you have been from home?
Dr. Toussaint: Japan. It is an amazing, clean, disciplined, respectful, and religious (Buddhist) society. My wife and I love to travel and look forward to visiting India, Africa, and other countries around the world.
Who was your favorite celebrity as a child?
Dr. Toussaint: It's a toss-up between Muhammad Ali and Ernie Banks.
What type of pets do you have?
Dr. Toussaint: We have a beautiful black Standard French Poodle named "Gracie." We adopted her from Dwight Correctional Center after she failed her training as a service dog for their "Paws" program. She was especially shy with strangers and a dog must be perfect in every way to enter service. Gracie is plenty smart, however, and has learned how to open and close doors, help you undress, and turn lights on and off. She can high-five, high-ten, and salute. Her favorite pass time is catching the Frisbee. She is awesome!!!
What's the most important advice you have for patients?
Dr. Toussaint: Parenting is the hardest job in the world and requires hard work, devotion, time, and money. While there are many rewards associated with parenting (Dr. Toussaint would know. He and his wife have three children), there are also many sacrifices. No doubt, raising a child is an enormous responsibility. And while all children certainly are miracles and great outcomes can be achieved from less than favorable starts, it may be easier for both the birth parents and the children when the parents are in a committed, loving relationship at the time of conception. Remember, a few moments of passion can become a lifetime endeavor.
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