Morris Hospital - Erik Muraskas, M.D., Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Erik Muraskas, M.D., Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Erik Muraskas, M.D.
Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Medical School:
Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine

Training:
Residency at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood

Special Honors:

Chief Resident at Loyola University (1985)

Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University (1986)

Assistant Professor at Loyola University (1996)

Associate Professor at Loyola University (2002)

Reasons to see Dr. Muraskas:
Dr. Muraskas is an obstetrician/gynecologist with a special interest in infertility, treatment of STDs and high risk pregnancies for women with diabetes, high blood pressure, drug addiction, and lupus.

Office Locations:
107 W. Jefferson St., Morris, IL; 815.942.0683

We gave Dr. Muraskas a selection of questions. Here are the ones he chose, along with his answers:

Why did you become a physician?
Dr. Muraskas: At a young age my family and I would go fishing a lot. When preparing the fish to eat, I grew interested in the anatomy of the fish. As I got older I decided I wanted to expand my knowledge of anatomy and of the human body. It's also a bonus working odd hours. I enjoy going to the hospital at 3 am and driving home at 6:30 am while everyone else is heading the opposite direction for work.

What do you find most challenging about being a doctor?
Dr. Muraskas: Keeping up with the continuous changes in medicine today is very challenging. Treatments and protocols that were the standard of care a few years ago are now outdated, because of the emphasis on evidence-based medicine. After getting Board Certified in 1990, I opted to do my annual re-certification by reading approximately 60 articles and answering 200 questions on a yearly basis. This allows me to keep up with the most current medical management and treatment. I've also worked very closely with the high risk maternal fetal medicine specialist for over 20 years and have managed high risk OB patients. In conjunction with this, I give lectures to the Loyola medical students and residents approximately every 3-4 weeks.

If you couldn't be a physician, what career would you have chosen and why?
Dr. Muraskas: If not medicine, meteorology. On April 21, 1967, I witnessed a tornado in Oak Lawn from two blocks away that killed over 50 people. The power and devastation I saw firsthand etched a permanent mark in my mind at how powerful nature is and how we are such a small fraction of the big picture. I've also been an avid fisherman my whole life so weather was always a very important component.

What would your patients be most surprised to learn about you?
Dr. Muraskas: I lived in Oak Lawn for most of my life and it was odd that I lived 3 blocks away from Christ Medical Center but did all of my medical schooling, residency and attending physician at Loyola University Medical Center.

Where is the farthest you have been from home?
Dr. Muraskas: I went fishing for lake trout and Arctic char in the Arctic Circle. It was amazing. I also spent a day fishing with President George H. Bush.

Where do you want to retire?
Dr. Muraskas: I don't. I love what I do too much.

What is your favorite kind of music?
Dr. Muraskas: I listen to rock. I enjoy Led Zeppelin, Joe Walsh, and the Eagles.

Would you ever move back to your hometown?
Dr. Muraskas: I don't know. I have always liked a rural lifestyle because of the openness and fresh air. I go back to the Oak Lawn area on a regular basis and it seems so confining to me. I get nervous on a 3 lane interstate when a car is next to me.

What's the most important advice you have for patients?
Dr. Muraskas: Never be afraid to ask questions.

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