Finding a doctor who actually listens feels like winning the lottery. You know the drill: you sit in a waiting room for forty-five minutes, get five minutes of face time, and leave with a prescription you barely understand. George M Lewitt MD—or G. Michael Lewitt, as he’s often listed—has built a reputation in Chicago for breaking that cycle.
He’s a board-certified dermatologist who’s been around the block, but he doesn't lead with a cold, clinical vibe. Honestly, he’s kind of a polymath. Between treating complex skin diseases and performing clinical trials, he’s probably playing blues guitar or hanging out with his rescue dogs, Aretha Barklin and Elwood Blues. It’s that human element that makes the medical stuff go down easier.
Who Exactly is George M Lewitt MD?
If you’re looking for his credentials, they’re pretty stacked. He didn't take the slow route. Dr. Lewitt finished an accelerated six-year program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He had his bachelor’s and his medical degree by age 24.
Think about that.
While most of us were still figuring out how to budget for rent, he was already a doctor. He did his residency at Saint Louis University and eventually climbed the ranks to become Chief Resident. Now, he’s a partner at the Illinois Dermatology Institute (IDI) in the Chicago Loop.
But a resume doesn't tell you how a doctor handles a panicked patient with a weird rash.
His Medical Focus
He’s not just doing Botox and filler—though he does that too. His real "bread and butter" is the hard stuff. We’re talking:
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- Complex Psoriasis: Not just a patch of dry skin, but the life-altering, systemic kind.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Where the skin issues meet joint pain.
- Atopic Dermatitis: Severe eczema that keeps people up at night.
- Vitiligo and Alopecia Areata: Conditions that impact how people see themselves in the mirror every day.
He's deep into the science of biologics. These aren't your standard creams; they're advanced drugs that target specific parts of the immune system. Because he’s the Director of Medical Dermatology Research at DeNova Research, he’s often working on treatments before they even hit the local pharmacy.
The Patient Experience: What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume that a "Top Doctor" (which he is, according to Castle Connolly) will be stuffy.
It’s actually the opposite.
One thing you’ll notice in patient feedback is the speed. Some people love it; they say he’s "quick and professional." Others feel it’s a bit fast. It’s that classic medical trade-off. However, the recurring theme is that he gives options. He doesn't just bark an order; he’ll say, "We can do A, B, or C. Which one fits your life?"
That’s huge.
You’ve probably been to a doctor who acts like a dictator. Dr. Lewitt operates more like a consultant. He’s also a big advocate for the National Psoriasis Foundation. He’s been the Honorary Medical Chair for their Chicago Walk multiple times. That's not a "pay to play" title—it’s something you earn by actually caring about the community you treat.
Where You Can Find Him
Most of the time, he’s at the IDI Loop office at 25 E Washington St. It’s right in the heart of Chicago. He also has ties to:
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- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Advocate Lutheran General
- Sarasota Memorial (yeah, he’s licensed in Florida too)
Why Psoriasis Patients Seek Him Out
Psoriasis is frustrating. You try one cream, it fails. You try another, it fails.
George M Lewitt MD is known for being a bit of a "fixer" for these cases. Because he runs clinical trials, he has a different perspective on what’s coming next. He’s not just looking at the current FDA-approved list; he’s looking at the data from next year’s breakthroughs.
He serves on the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation. That’s a small group of experts who actually set the standards for how this disease is treated nationwide. If you’ve been told "there’s nothing else we can do," he’s usually the guy people see for a second opinion.
The Real George Lewitt (Off the Clock)
It’s weirdly comforting to know your dermatologist has hobbies that don't involve skin.
He’s an avid ice hockey player. He plays the blues. He’s a massive supporter of Chicago Canine Rescue. When a doctor is that invested in animal rights and local music, it usually translates to a better bedside manner. He’s a person first.
Actionable Steps if You’re Seeing Him
- Bring your history: Especially with psoriasis or eczema, he’ll want to know exactly what failed in the past.
- Ask about trials: If your insurance is being a pain about high-cost biologics, ask if there’s a clinical study at DeNova that fits your condition.
- Be direct: He moves fast because he’s in demand. Have your top three questions written down so you don't forget them when the door opens.
- Check your insurance: He takes almost everything—Aetna, Cigna, BCBS—but always call the IDI front desk first to be 100% sure.
The bottom line? George M Lewitt MD isn't just a guy with a white coat and a bunch of diplomas. He’s a specialist who actually lives in the world of research while keeping his feet on the ground in the clinic. Whether it’s a routine mole check or a life-long struggle with psoriatic arthritis, he’s one of the few names in Chicago that consistently pops up for a reason.
If you're dealing with a skin issue that just won't quit, your next move is simple: gather your previous treatment records and schedule a consultation at the Illinois Dermatology Institute. Having a clear list of what hasn't worked will help him dive straight into the advanced options that might actually make a difference.