The Highland Park Patient Care Team

Daniel J. Goldstein, M.D.

Dr. Daniel J. Goldstein, a board-certified internist, brings a wealth of primary care experience to Forward Focus. Known for his sweet and caring nature, Dr. Goldstein is thrilled to have the opportunity to spend more time with each patient and ensure that all aspects of one’s health can be addressed. Relatable and down-to-earth, “Dr. Dan”, as he is affectionately known by many of his patients, thrives on the personal connections he forms with patients. Without the pressure of seeing dozens of patients each day, he can spend more time on each patient’s healthcare and interact with other physicians on their behalf while staying up to date on the latest medical research. 

Dr. Goldstein has always prided himself on his attention to detail and responsiveness to patients, but found it increasingly challenging to offer the level of care each patient deserves in a larger healthcare system. At Forward Focus, he now has the autonomy to take as much time as necessary with each patient to provide the quality of care each patient deserves. With unrestricted access, patients can schedule appointments at their convenience and have the time to engage in deeper discussions encompassing nutrition, exercise, mental health, and life stressors. Dr. Dan also offers his patients access to his trusted network of specialists, contacting colleagues to advocate for patients, so they get the specialized care they need.

With over 25 years of expertise, Dr. Goldstein enhances the patient-centered experience with his exceptional diagnostic, clinical, and interpersonal skills. He earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and completed his residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. After 16 years in private practice, he joined the Northwestern Health System, where he practiced for the last 9 years before joining Forward Focus. He maintains hospital privileges at Highland Park, Glenbrook, Evanston, Northwestern Lake Forest, and Skokie Hospitals.

A lifelong resident of the North Shore, Dan and his wife raised three children in Riverwoods, appreciating the suburban lifestyle. In his free time, he and his family enjoy traveling and hiking. He has recently caught the pickleball bug, so you might spot him on a mini-tennis court whacking a ball alongside fellow middle-aged athletes. He understands the importance of work-life balance and staying active and encourages his patients to do the same

Alina Elperin, M.D.

Dr. Alina Elperin is thrilled to join Forward Focus Concierge Medicine, where she has the time and resources to offer highly personalized and comprehensive care to her patients. With over a decade of experience in internal medicine, Dr. Elperin has built a reputation for her diagnostic acumen, thoughtful approach, and dedication to preventive health. Attentive, engaged, and compassionate, she values the privilege of supporting patients at all stages of life. She builds meaningful, long-term relationships based on trust and open communication, and offers patients access via phone and text with readily available, lengthy appointments.

Driven by a passion for prevention and holistic wellness, Dr. Elperin is also board-certified in Obesity Medicine, recognizing the critical link between metabolic health and chronic disease. She takes an individualized approach to weight management, helping patients navigate life transitions—such as aging, menopause, and lifestyle changes—by creating sustainable, science-backed health strategies. She firmly believes that mental health is as important as physical health, and collaborates with fellow clinicians while developing treatment plans for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Additionally, she supports women’s health, addressing gynecologic issues, including birth control and menopausal changes.

As a mother of three young children, Dr. Elperin understands the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities. She brings empathy and a deep appreciation for the unique circumstances of each patient, helping them develop realistic health goals that fit their lifestyles. Outside of medicine, she enjoys gardening, growing her own vegetables, and cultivating orchids. She finds peace in nature, regularly attends theater performances, and embraces a well-rounded life—an approach she encourages her patients to adopt. Fluent in Russian and conversant in Spanish, she prioritizes making patients feel comfortable and understood.

A long-time resident of the North Shore, Dr. Elperin received her BS degree from Lake Forest College and her Medical Degree from Rosalind Franklin University: Chicago Medical School. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Chicago-NorthShore in Evanston, where she also served as Chief Resident. She enjoys teaching as much as learning, sharing her knowledge with residents and medical students as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Her commitment to lifelong learning keeps her at the forefront of medical advancements, allowing her to provide the most up-to-date and effective treatments available.

Dr. Elperin has hospital privileges at Highland Park, Evanston, and Glenbrook Hospitals, and collaborates with specialists, hospitalists, and ER physicians when the need arises. She currently has hospital privileges at Northwestern Lake Forest as well. As part of the Forward Focus team, she is grateful to be offering a concierge medicine experience where she can provide the time, attention, and level of care her patients truly deserve.

Smriti Goel, M.D.

Dr. Smriti Goel will begin seeing patients on January 5th, 2026.

Dr. Smriti Goel is honored to join Forward Focus Concierge Medicine, where she can focus on fostering meaningful relationships with her patients and delivering the kind of attentive, personalized care that she loves to offer. With over 25 years of experience in internal medicine, including two decades in solo practice, Dr. Goel brings extensive clinical expertise and a steady presence to her patients. She was drawn to Forward Focus for its small, collaborative environment and the opportunity to offer longer visits, direct access, and the time and space to truly connect.

Thoughtful, diligent, and compassionate, Dr. Goel specializes in preventive health, cardiovascular care, diabetes management, mental health, and women’s health across all stages of life. She is known for her ability to diagnose and manage complex medical situations, particularly when patients are dealing with multiple conditions and medications. She has built long-term relationships with trusted specialists in the community and is able to refer patients to the appropriate consultant when the need arises. She advocates for her patients and ensures that all care is coordinated and of the highest quality. She is also an avid user of large touch-screen interactive technology in exam rooms for engaging educational discussions with patients and families.

Dr. Goel believes that health is our most precious asset, and she takes the responsibility to manage her patients’ health very seriously. She sees herself as a true partner in each patient’s health journey as they travel the river of care together, navigating through turbulent rapids, steering through the obstacles, and attentive in the calm stretches along the way. A thoughtful and empathetic listener, she works closely with patients to focus on what truly matters to them. Patients feel comfortable sharing their concerns, and she takes into consideration lifestyle, emotional well-being, and personal goals when developing a holistic, solution-oriented care plan.

Dr. Goel received her medical degree in India and completed her residency at the University of Illinois. Over the course of her career, along with her decades of practicing internal medicine, she has also served as medical director of a skilled nursing facility, cared for patients in emergency settings, and mentored residents and nurse practitioners. This breadth and depth of experience give her a unique tool set of knowledge, confidence, and insight to manage everything from proactive preventive care to urgent and complex medical decisions.

A long-time resident of Deerfield, Dr. Goel has practiced at Highland Park, Glenbrook, and Lutheran General Hospitals for over 25 years. She lives with her husband and enjoys spending time with their two young adult sons and sprightly dog. Outside of medicine, she finds joy in yoga, meditation, classical dance, and walking along Lake Michigan or hiking in Starved Rock. She also has a strong interest in philanthropy and community engagement. At Forward Focus, she considers it a privilege to be part of her patients’ lives and looks forward to guiding and supporting each person in their wellness journey.