This past August, Centegra physician Dr. Jared Ko was appointed to become Sun City’s new medical director at Sun City’s Wellness Center. The 43-year-old physician earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign College of Medicine and completed his residency from the same medical school in Chicago.
When asked why he chose medicine over engineering, he responded “It’s a natural fit for me – math and science. I’ve always been strongest in them. Medicine was always interesting to me and a possibility.”
Ko is board-certified in internal medicine. After three years of residency, he began his medical career for Centegra Health System 13 years ago.
“I’ve not moved around like many others. Centegra gave me tools I wanted to work with,” he said. “I’m used to working with a company and within an organization. It’s more efficient than being a boss.”
According to Ko, practicing internal medicine means “treating anyone over 16 or 18 who’s not pregnant.” He especially enjoys internal medicine because, “It’s more broad-based rather than focusing on a particular area.” While he finds young patients a bit more challenging, Ko feels “more comfortable with the Del Webb population,” and he anticipates seniors’ thinking on health issues.
New Sun City’s Centegra Wellness director Jared Ko has been with Centegra for 13 years. He is now excited to work with Sun City seniors.
(Hannah Sturtecky|Sun Day Photo)
“The seniors here have more respect [for doctors] in general,” Ko said. “I find it fun to talk and relieve their concerns. It’s fun to talk to them without the responsibilities of the office.”
The Centegra doctor is available for free medical consultation in the Wellness Center every Wednesday from noon until 2 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
He does issue this word of caution to Sun City seniors: “Use commonsense – don’t believe every piece of medical advice or ads you hear on TV. Take everything you hear with a ‘grain of salt.’ [The media’s advice] doesn’t always fit you at the moment.”
Ko lives in South Barrington with his wife and three children. When asked about hobbies, he refers to himself as “a computer geek.” He concludes his interview by stating, “I do enjoy reading science fiction, such as ‘Lord of the Rings’ and David Eddings’ work and World War II history.”
Looks like Ko, who faced an extremely serious personal illness three years ago, has made a successful recovery. He looks forward to sharing his expertise with seniors in this community.
For medical appointments, Ko can be seen at Centegra Physician Care, 10350 Haligus Road, Suite 200, Huntley. His telephone number is 815-338-6600.
