Excellence in Care: Dr. Olga Cardenas

Swedish Covenant Hospital regularly features physicians who go the extra mile to provide patients with top-notch care. This month’s featured physician is Swedish Covenant Medical Group Endocrinologist Dr. Olga Cardenas. Dr. Cardenas discussed common endocrine disorders, the physician/patient partnership and piano lessons.

Are you originally from Chicago?

Yes. I grew up on the South Side, but I’ve lived all over the city!

When did you decide on medicine as a profession? Why endocrinology?

I don’t know if there was ever a “light bulb” moment. I always liked science, science fairs and things like that. I really like endocrinology because you’re dealing with some very common diseases, and you get to have a big impact. I considered the research track for a bit, but I really like actually getting to be around patients.

What kinds of conditions do you see most often?

I see a lot of people with diabetes, and conditions related to that. Gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary disease, obesity, lipid disorders, thyroid disorders, metabolic syndrome and problems with blood pressure, to name a few.

Can you talk about your approach to patient care?

I grew up in a working class neighborhood where many people didn’t know much about health or medicine. My patient approach includes education—how to access medical services and how to use medications. If you have to teach medical students, why shouldn’t you have to teach the general public? There needs to be a partnership between patients and physicians.

Patient education is also important because if you don’t get buy-in from your patients, they won’t improve. It can be frustrating when people come to clinic and they don’t bring their data, or they say they haven’t been testing themselves, or they were too afraid to take their medications. You need to have compliance. They have to trust you. In the old days, doctors just said “take this medication.” Now, it’s got to be a partnership.

What do you find yourself doing on the weekends?

I spend most of my time hanging out with family, going to plays or reconnecting with old friends. I recently moved back to Chicago from Wisconsin.

What’s on your bucket list?

I’d like to learn to play a musical instrument. I’m thinking about taking a piano class at North Park University. I’d also like to travel!

For more information about Dr. Cardenas, please visit SwedishCovenant.org/cardenas.