Today's Medicine with Yesterday's Values


The Forward Focus Difference: Our secret sauce is built on relationships. As a pioneer in concierge medicine on the NorthShore, we have been providing state of the art quality healthcare, personalized service, and responsive, accessible care in a warm and welcoming setting for over 15 years.


Dr. Marissa Versalle - Forward Focus

Welcome Dr. Versalle

Dr. Marissa Versalle will begin seeing patients on January 5th, 2026.

Dr. Marissa Versalle joins Forward Focus with a passion for healthy aging and personalized care. After years of serving as a hospitalist, she is eager to help patients prevent the very illnesses she treated in the hospital setting. By focusing on preventative medicine and lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress, she empowers patients to stop, slow, or even reverse chronic diseases and live healthier, more fulfilling lives. 

She looks forward to building meaningful, long-term relationships with patients and tailoring care to support their individual goals.

Meet Dr. Marissa Versalle

Navigating Hospice Care Webinar

Wednesday, November 5th - 5:30 - 6:30 pm

We are fortunate to have Dr. Martha Twaddle and Rabbi Steven Lowenstein team up to talk with us on Wednesday, November 5, via a webinar from 5:30-6:30 pm CST. They will discuss the physical and spiritual journey you or a loved one experiences when diagnosed with a progressive serious illness that requires medical intervention.

To register, contact Program Coordinator Marti at mgreenberg@forwardfocusmed.com.

Learn More

Hospice Care Seminar

Forward Focus Features

Personalized Doctor Attention

Personalized Attention

Personalized Attention

  • Undivided attention from your physician during lengthy appointments
  • 24/7 access to your physician via phone, email or text
  • Same-day scheduling
  • Unparalleled support staff who treat you like family
Coordination of Care

Coordination of Care

Coordination of Care

  • Referrals to trusted specialists and advocacy on your behalf
  • Help in navigating medical decisions and interpreting results
  • Daily visits when hospitalized at affiliated hospitals
State of the Art Medical Care

State of the Art Medical Care

State of the Art Medical Care

  • Outstanding symptom management and acute care
  • Medical sophistication and the time to provide comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis
  • Clinical expertise in all aspects of internal medicine
Wellness Partners for Comprehensive Care

Emphasis on Prevention & Wellness

Emphasis on Prevention & Wellness

  • Focus on lifestyle issues and behavioral changes
  • Proactive health plans and strategies to prevent disease
  • On-site access to wellness providers in nutrition and Ear Nose & Throat (ENT)
  • Regularly scheduled educational seminars on a variety of personal health topics

Dr. Steve Lasin has been my Primary Care Physician for many years. I consider him a trusted, caring, sympathetic, and helpful physician. He always takes my concerns very seriously and never dismisses them as unimportant. He is an iconic member of the Northern Illinois and South Eastern Wisconsin medical community. I would... read more

- VP Emco Chemical

I have a relationship with Dr. Schaffel and the entire staff of Forward Focus that is unequaled in my experience. Rebecca, Katie, Mel, et al treat us like family. In one of our more serious discussions over the years, he said, "I have your back." I firmly believe those four words and am grateful that I have found a doctor/... read more

- Steve Hipp

Imagine having a great relationship with your Doctor... one where you come first, not the insurance companies, not the administrators and lawyers, not one overwhelmed by the demands of too many patients. You've just imagined Forward Focus. Forward Focus is awesome!

- Craig Purse

I love Dr. Berliant. She is caring and compassionate. She is extremely thorough. She is not an alarmist. She always makes time for me. She speaks to me in layman's terms. The office staff is terrific.

- Liz Wellek

The Forward Focus office environment acts as a form of calm for me. Dr. Wolfman values building strong trusting partnerships with his patients. He is a great doctor, and I will never leave him.

- Craig

Forward Focus has been very efficient and responsive to my needs. My initial meeting with Dr. Phillips was thorough and informative. I left feeling respected and with a summary of all we discussed. When I left a message at the office with a question for Dr. Phillips, I received a call back immediately! Great medical care... read more

- Debby