Meet Our Physician Assistants
It’s often that the duties of a physician assistant (PA) are oversimplified into merely assisting doctors, when in reality, they are primary care providers in their own right, practicing under the guidance of a licensed physician. PAs are specially trained and qualified to examine, diagnose, order lab tests, and prescribe medications without a doctor on-premises. Licensed to practice in every state, they continue to improve healthcare across all settings and specialties.
The team of physician assistants at Women’s HealthFirst specialize in well-woman care, including annual exams, breast checks, pap smears, contraception, and prenatal care. In the entire practice’s commitment and dedication to women at every stage in their life, PAs work interdependently with doctors and medical teams to provide the most personalized plan of action for a treatment plan designed for you and only you. Our physician assistants are so spectacular in what they do, that many of our patients often designate them as their primary healthcare provider in educational resources, preventive care, and management of overall health.
Beyond the thousands of educational hours and patient experience, our PAs have the non-teachable skills of compassion, empathy, and critical thinking to deliver care that makes you feel not only secure in your decision to partner with us, but understood in your needs and what your health condition calls for.
All of the PAs at Women’s HealthFirst are members of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, as well as other professional organizations. We invite you to take a moment to learn more about each of them below.
Kristin Bean holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a master's degree in physician assistant studies from Rush University in Chicago, where she also completed a specialty year in emergency medicine.
Kristin is licensed by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM).
She became an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) in 2020 to better meet the needs of her breastfeeding patients and their babies. She also serves as a content writer for Hippo Education, writing practice questions for board exams as well as podcast content for physician assistants and students.
Kristin believes that every patient deserves the same quality of care and respect, regardless of socioeconomic status. She believes in holistic care and shared decision making, and she encourages patients to take an active role in their own health.
Kristin is fluent in Spanish and has participated in medical mission trips to Honduras and the Dominican Republic. She and her husband enjoy global travel and their favorite vacation spot is Andalucia, Spain. When she’s not working, Kristin enjoys hiking, singing, playing the piano, podcasts, gardening, and reading. In her spare time, she serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer for children in the foster care system.
Videos:
Neha Dalal is a board-certified physician assistant, with many years of OB-GYN experience. She graduated with a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Iowa and completed her master of science and the physician assistant program at A.T. Still University in Arizona.
Neha treats patients with a wide variety of OB-GYN needs, including obstetrical care and gynecological issues and routine well woman annual exams. She takes an interest in discussing preventive health and contraceptive care.
She has also participated in medical missions and a medical rotation in India. She can communicate fluently in Hindi, Gujarati, and Spanish. Neha is committed to serving the healthcare needs of patients and enjoys community events that promote the importance of good health.
Outside of work, Neha enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family. Neha lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband and two children. She looks forward to meeting you.
Videos:
Mireya Ledesma is an extremely dedicated board-certified physician assistant and fellow member of American Academy of Physician Assistants and Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants with nearly 20 years’ experience in obstetrics and gynecology. She received her bachelor of science in nursing from Loyola University of Chicago and a master of medical science from St Francis University.
Mireya is highly regarded for her skilled assessments and thoroughness. She enjoys providing care to women at all stages of life, from adolescence through menopause, including high-risk prenatal care, preventive annual gynecological exams, and urogynecology care. She is dedicated to helping make high-quality, comprehensive medical care accessible to all women.
Mireya is a fluent Spanish speaker, which has been a tremendous asset for many of our Spanish-speaking patients. She is committed to providing outstanding care to women in the communities we serve. Mireya has also delivered gynecology care to high-risk patients during a medical mission to the Dominican Republic.
When she’s not at work, Mireya enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending as much time possible with her family and friends.
Videos:
Laura Lopez is a board-certified physician assistant who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. She treats women at all stages of life, including for routine gynecological exams and obstetrical care. Laura also has a special interest in contraceptive care and family planning; she is committed to spending time discussing birth control with her younger female patients.
Laura strives to build a positive professional connection with her patients, which she finds personally rewarding and helps to provide the women she serves with a better overall healthcare experience.
Dedicated to improving access to healthcare for all women, Laura has always felt driven to provide care for underserved communities in the Chicagoland area. She has also participated in global medical outreach in third-world countries.
Laura is fluent in Spanish and English.
In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time at the lake with family and traveling to new places.
Videos:
Neha B. Shah is a board-certified physician assistant. She was born in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and has spent most of her life in the Chicago area.
Neha received her bachelor of science from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, and her master of science in physician assistant studies from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is licensed by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Neha is a member of both the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants.
Neha has been practicing in the OB-GYN field since 2007 and enjoys all aspects of women’s health. She enjoys seeing patients at their annual well-woman exam, as well as between visits for various gynecological needs, including contraception counseling. Neha also enjoys caring for patients with routine and high-risk pregnancies. She has a special interest in helping her patients manage gestational diabetes.
Neha prides herself on her excellent listening skills and being easy to talk to about sensitive subjects. She also takes the time needed to help patients understand their medical diagnoses, work-up, and treatment options.
She speaks both Gujarati and Spanish. Neha contributes her time at faith-based health fairs and participates in the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk.
In her spare time, Neha enjoys reading, dancing, and listening to music.
Videos:
Anna Stern is a board certified physician assistant and member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). She graduated with her bachelors degree in Spanish and International Studies and her masters degree in education from the University of Michigan. After spending some time working in education, she returned to school and earned a masters degree in physician assistant studies from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Anna believes in the benefits of building a collaborative relationship with patients that includes educating the patient on a variety of women’s health issues. She hopes that through education and shared decision making, she will empower women to advocate for themselves. Anna also speaks Spanish, and spent some time living in Spain. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her friends and family. Anna and her husband love traveling, attending concerts, and trying new recipes.
Yesenia Guzman is a board-certified physician assistant and member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). She holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Yesenia is dedicated to delivering accessible, compassionate, and patient-focused care, with an emphasis on educating women about OB/GYN issues and preventive measures to empower them through their healthcare journeys. As a native Spanish speaker, she aims to enhance healthcare access for the diverse communities in the Chicagoland area. Her commitment to service extends beyond the clinic, having participated in medical outreach programs through the Will-Grundy Medical Center. Outside of work, Yesenia enjoys hiking, working out, traveling, and exploring different cultures through cuisine and music.
Get the high-quality OB-GYN care you need, from one of the physician assistants at Women’s HealthFirst by calling (847) 808-8884 – or request your appointment now. We have PAs available to serve your women’s healthcare needs at all of our five locations near Chicago, Illinois.
If you are an established patient at Women’s HealthFirst, visit our patient portal to request your appointment, message your provider team, and so much more.
