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
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
Plasma donation?
Yes, likely lipids, usually "fats". How much you have circulating depends on your diet. READ MORE
How long will I get results from the kidney biopsy?
Depends on many variables. Typically interpreted results are available in 5 to 7 work days. READ MORE
Blood Born Pathogen Risk--2
The risks of transmitting most blood-borne infectious pathogens are very, very low, and absent personal contact between individuals is remote. How easily "blood" can be transmitted from an inanimate object such as mail is also very unlikely. Certainly, for HIV transmission the risk is vanishingly small. Transmissibility depends on the nature of the pathogen and how long it was "on the mail". For HIV specifically, if it was dried blood contaminated with HIV, the infectivity of the virus would not last very long (minutes to several hours) On the other hand, hepatitis B is VERY virulent and can last in the dried state on environmental surfaces for months. If you have not been vaccinated against hepatitis B, you are not protected. 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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