Dr. Phillip J. DeChristopher, MD, PhD
Pathologist | Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine
2160 S First Ave Ems Bldg. , Rm. 2209 Maywood IL, 60153About
Dr. Phillip DeChristopher is a pathologist practicing in Maywood, IL. Dr. DeChristopher is a doctor who specializes in the study of bodily fluids and tissues. As a pathologist, Dr. DeChristopher can help your primary care doctor make a diagnosis about your medical condition. Dr. DeChristopher may perform a tissue biopsy to determine if a patient has cancer, practice genetic testing, and complete a number of laboratory examinations. Pathologists can also perform autopsies which can determine a persons cause of death and gain information about genetic progression of a disease.
Education and Training
University of Illinois Master of Science and PhD degrees in Physical Organic Chemistry 0
Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine MD 0
Michael Reese Hospital & Medical Center Residency and Fellowship 0
Board Certification
American Board of Pathology
PathologyAmerican Board of PathologyABP- Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine
Provider Details
Dr. Phillip J. DeChristopher, MD, PhD's Expert Contributions
Do you get general anesthesia for prostate biopsy?
Usually not. READ MORE
Can kidney biopsy cause any health issues?
Usually not. The most common reason for needing a kidney biopsy is that there may already be a "health issue", which needs diagnosis. READ MORE
I have some abnormal lymphocytes: should we worry?
Sounds essentially normal. Not to worry. READ MORE
Can liver biopsy be done with local anesthesia?
Yes, often. But that is a much better question for your liver physician who will be doing the procedure. READ MORE
What type of anesthesia is used for a liver biopsy?
Could be local, but please confer with the physician who has to obtain informed consent prior to the procedure READ MORE
Loss of red cells?
If you are a plasma donor, you should be loosing very small amounts of ted blood cells. Prior to your next donation, the center drawing the plasma is required to test your red blood cell count and the amount of protein in your plasma. READ MORE
What is the ideal PSA level for 50 years old?
0 to 3.5 nanograms/mL. PSA levels vary with age and the condition of the prostate. READ MORE
Can I drink water before a PSA blood test?
Yes. READ MORE
How can I fix low creatinine levels?
Low levels don't need to be "fixed". Your level may be normal for you. Concern is when creatinine levels have risen or start to rise, because then something my be happening to your kidney function READ MORE
Is anesthesia required for a prostate biopsy?
Sometimes. Consult the Urologist who is obtaining informed consent to do the procedure READ MORE
Can you fix high creatinine levels?
High creatinine levels require diagnosis: Why are they high? What is the trend of elevation.. You personally can't "fix" high creatinine levels. Best to get the advice of your Internist or kidney specialist. READ MORE
Can you remove HSV from your blood with medication?
No. HSV is one of a family of viruses which cause infection. You individually can't "remove" the virus, but if you have a normal immune system, it can react to keep it under control. READ MORE
What causes creatinine levels to be high?
There are many things including medications and diseases of the kidney, much too long to elaborate in a blog. You need advice and diagnosis by an Internist. READ MORE
What anesthesia is selected for a liver biopsy?
Could be done with local anesthesia. But a better question for the physician to has to obtain informed consent before such a biopsy is done. READ MORE
Can the COVID vaccine affect my semen levels?
Very unlikely! READ MORE
How long does a bone marrow biopsy procedure take?
5 or 10 minutes. READ MORE
How can I bring my creatinine level down?
Usually not. Elevations should be addressed by you physician / Internist. READ MORE
Is a biopsy of the prostate painful?
Yes, likely. Please consult with your Urologist who will be obtaining informed consent for the procedure. READ MORE
What tests can show prostate problems?
First step is a digital (rectal) exam to assess if the prostate is enlarged. Urologists can also image the prostate with ultrasound. Then there are tests such a PSA. Consult a Urologist. READ MORE
What test should I have to see kidney function?
Blood transfusions (of red blood cells) are needed only for symptomatic anemias. The most important issue is why is the child anemia. Such diagnoses are usually expertly addressed by Pediatricians . READ MORE
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Loyola University Medical Center - Present
- Medical Director Transfusion Medicine/Blood Bank/Apheresis Service and Clinical Laboratory at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital - Present
Professional Memberships
- Fellow of the American Society for Clinical Pathology
- Fellow of the College of American Pathologists
Dr. Phillip J. DeChristopher, MD, PhD's Practice location
Maywood, IL 60153Get Direction
Dr. Phillip J. DeChristopher, MD, PhD's reviews
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Get to know Pathologist Dr. Phillip J. DeChristopher, who serves patients in Illinois.
A seasoned pathologist, Dr. DeChristopher serves as a Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Loyola University Medical Center, and as the Medical Director for Transfusion Medicine/Blood Bank/Apheresis Service and Clinical Laboratory at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital.
When asked about his motivation to become a pathologist, he mentioned his interest in science, which began in high school and led to all of his degrees, as well as his work as a research chemist. He also expressed a strong desire to use laboratory medicine and pathology to make a real difference in patient care.
What he loves most about Loyola Pathology is the collegiality among disciplines, which allows for the best multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving and patient care.
With an impressive academic background, Dr. DeChristopher received his Master of Science and PhD degrees in Physical Organic Chemistry from the University of Illinois, and completed his medical training at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. He then went on to complete his residency and fellowship training at Michael Reese Hospital & Medical Center.
An expert in his field, the doctor is board-certified in anatomic & clinical pathology, and blood banking/transfusion medicine by the American Board of Pathology (ABPath). The mission of the ABPath is to promote the health of the public and advance the practice and science of pathology by establishing voluntary certification standards and assessing the qualifications of those seeking to practice the specialty of pathology.
Achieving fellowship status, Dr. DeChristopher is a Fellow of both the American Society for Clinical Pathology (FASCP) and the College of American Pathologists (FCAP).
Pathology is a branch of medical science that involves the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of surgically removed organs, tissues, bodily fluids, and in some cases, the whole body. Pathologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and management of diseases by laboratory methods.
On a more personal note, Dr. DeChristopher enjoys driving fast cars, and if he had the time and resources, he would love to obtain a private pilot’s license.
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